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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) A major flaw I noticed is the heavy burden placed on the property owners to fund schools. This is especially difficult for those who are living on fixed incomes and are least likely to afford the increases required to support school district funding. Even through the funding formula has deficiencies, it takes into consideration the demographic changes within a school district. The General assembly is working on property tax relief that would take the burden off the property owner and offer alternative revenue sources to fund our schools. 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 accountability Block Grants has proven to be a successful and effective educational program. This program gives districts some flexibility on the use of these funds and provides direction on how this program and services can be used to help our children. I support increasing the Grants considering the NCLB directive is sufficiently funded by the federal government. 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) I believe tutoring programs should be expanded for those students who are lacking the basic skills such as, reading and math. This expansion would focus on those districts where students fail to achieve the desired results. By providing this appropriate support and resources, it would have the positive impact we are seeking for the student and the district. 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) I am supporting the Governor's request for additional funding for the Head Start Supplement that would increase the number of children served. Investing in early childhood education, through the Accountability Block Grants and Head Start, will expand access to quality learning opportunities that is so critical to future academic achievements. 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) Ensuring that every student in Pennsylvania receives a quality education that will enhance their abilities to go on to higher education, or provide them with the skills necessary to be productive individuals in this Commonwealth. Change the basic education formula used to fund schools to reflect the needs of the school districts and increase the state level of support for basic education. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) Reevaluate the basic education formula; review the programs to ensure educational needs of the students are being fulfilled; and, ensure that the necessary resources are available to our teacher and their students.
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