 | .
|
for 2006 Pennsylvania Primary Election Legislative Candidates
1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Pennsylvania's system of funding public education? What should the Pennsylvania Legislature do, if anything, to improve the system of funding public education? (75 words or less) In 1974-1975 the state funded 55% of instructional costs. In 2005-2006 that percentage is 34. It is obvious the funding mechanisms must be changed. Since 1991 there has not been a consistent system for funding public schools. Each year, the Legislature decides how much money is to be given and distributes it in a way created at that moment. An actual predictable system is needed to fully fund public education, one based on number of students, the wealth and needs of the school district and some measure of tax effort. Further, the Legislature must be more cognizant of all actions as they can become unfunded mandates. For example, with the passage of Act 72 came an unanticipated cost, an unfunded mandate, of postage and materials. As a member of the Board of Education for Wilkes-Barre Area School District, I can personally offer that our bill for just the mailings was a great cost. 2. How should the Pennsylvania Legislature assist school districts to meet the requirements of Pennsylvania's regulations for academic standards and graduation requirements as well as the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) that expects every student to demonstrate proficiencies on state assessments in reading, math and science by 2014, and for all schools to demonstrate "adequate yearly progress" (required by NCLB) toward that goal? (75 words or less) The Pennsylvania Legislature should ensure adequate funding for new and innovative programs, as well as provide support for initiatives already in place. Another item the Legislature must address is the validation of state assessments so it is guaranteed that what is tested is in fact being taught as subject matter in our public schools. 3. How should the Pennsylvania Legislature assist school districts to close the academic achievement gaps that exist among groups of students in schools and school districts across the Commonwealth? (75 words or less) The Pennsylvania Legislature must urge the Department of Education to accentuate time-on-task for all Pennsylvania's students. Combined with the endorsement of additional itinerate and support services, I believe the academic achievement gaps will narrow among schools and districts in our Commonwealth. 4. What, if anything, should the Pennsylvania Legislature do to increase access for young children in Pennsylvania to high-quality pre-K programs and full-day kindergarten programs? (75 words or less) Increase funding, seek alternative forms of funding and be promotional to the districts that foster the programs. As a current member of the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board, we are quite proactive in the pre-K initiatives. This is a collaborative effort with many agencies and the private sector. 5. What is your vision of the public education opportunity that should be available to every child in Pennsylvania and what will you do to accomplish that goal? (75 words or less) Without any reservation, I truly believe a free, public education for all will stand as the greatest accomplishment for American democracy. This effort must continue and remain the focus of all leaders as an educated society brings civility, citizenship, scholarship and a continued positively developing society. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) Complete effort must be placed on exploring alternative funding strategies. For example, the Wilkes-Barre Area School District was the first district to both create a educational foundation and involve itself in selling its tax liens. Both issues have created alternative forms of income for the district and lessen the tax burden. The Legislature must promote this type of activity throughout the Commonwealth.
|