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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) We must implement an improved funding system for public education in Pennsylvania that guarantees more funding for rural school districts. This likely will mean the elimination of the school district property tax in favor of a better taxing system. There are great disparities that exist between classroom learning and school facilities among districts based on the taxes they receive locally. Our legislature needs to even the playing field so that all students can achieve to their fullest potential. 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) First, legislators need to be held more accountable for the education of students that is taking place in their district. Our elected officials should be spending time in the schools, evaluating and assessing on a first-hand basis what type of learning environment our students are being taught within. Legislators should provide students with adequate opportunities and aid to ensure that they can continue to develop and progress at least at an adequate level annually. 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) We need to segregate test scores so that we get a true sense of who is achieving and who is not. In some districts, the cumulative results appear to be adequate but there are still many students failing to achieve at acceptable levels. In our schools falling behind we need to ensure that achievements are being recognized, instead of negative behavior. The legislature should partner with mentoring programs to help provide youngsters with role models. 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) A great deal of learning takes place before students reach First Grade. We should provide opportunities for students to learn in their early developmental stages. I would support Pre-Kindergarten programs and think that the addition of these opportunities could help many students become lifelong learners. The costs of day care Pre-Kindergarten programs are out of many families budgets and students start with a disadvantage. Full-day Kindergarten should be available to all families, but not mandatory. 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) I will sponsor legislation that aids students in all of our public schools. We need to invest more resources into our rural schools. While some schools have multi-million dollar stadiums and auditoriums other students are receiving an education without the most current books and materials. Also, severe disparities exist among teachers salaries between districts. This is not fair and we must make adjustments to improve student learning throughout Pennsylvania. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) As an active member of my community and a McDonald Borough Councilman I am definitely someone who helps as many of my neighbors as possible. As a legislator, I will take a similar approach and spend time in our schools. I will provide public affairs internships and community service opportunities through partnerships. I also will work with School Boards to discuss the issues that they and the students, parents, and citizens they represent are facing.
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