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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) Governor Rendell's proposed increases in public education definitely qualify as a strength in our system of funding public education. Our Commonwealth has an obligation to our children to spend a good portion of the general fund on education. Funding public education with property taxes is a great weakness, however. It places homeowners in an adversarial relationship with public school employees. I would like to see a system with NO property taxes used. 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) NCLB is nothing more than campaign rhetoric that, unfortunately, became bad public policy. Our General Assembly needs to stand up to the federal government and demand that NCLB be changed or abandoned. As for meeting state standards, our government must be prepared to fund proven methods like smaller class sizes and early childhood education. 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) Having faculty available to tutor students who are struggling is probably the best method to close achievement gaps. This requires funding. Our legislature should work with the Governor to provide enough money to place qualified and certified tutors in school districts that need them. 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) The foundation of a quality education begins very early. Unfortunately the areas that need the most help are the least likely to be able to afford pre-K and full-day kindergarten. Our legislature needs to support the Governor's plan to increase funding to the districts that are economically challenged. Investing in our youth today pays seven times as much in dividends tomorrow. 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) Regardless of which school district, every child deserves the opportunity to have a quality education. I envision a day when families work hand-in-hand with teachers and administrators to support the children and their public schools. I envision a day when teachers are treated and paid like the important professionals they are. I envision a day when politicians work toward these goals rather than using public education to score political points. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) Support your public school teachers. They are the front line in the war against ignorance.
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