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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) The current system of funding public education in the Commonwealth is wrought with weaknesses, including the disparity between growing and non-growing districts and the reliance on property taxes. People are becoming anti-education, not because of our schools, but because of the way we fund them. We need to move to a more personal income tax or sales tax based funding system to ensure equity in financing. 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) Certainly the challenges of the federal No Child Left Behind mandate have left many school districts struggling to find the necessary resources to meet these requirements. However, I feel that the General Assembly has helped this effort tremendously through the innovative Accountability Block Grant Program. This $200 million program can be used by districts to help meet the NCLB requirements. Programs include smaller class sizes, tutoring and all day kindergarten. I'm happy to support this program and will fight to ensure that it continues. 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) Again, the Commonwealth Accountability Block Grant Program can be used by districts to help close the "achievement gaps" among students throughout the state. Smaller class sizes, all day kindergarten and tutoring can be a benefit to those students needing more instruction and help with their studies. 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) Pre-K and all day Kindergarten have been a very hot topic within the education community over the past several years. Short of mandating all day kindergarten or pre-K, which I don't feel should be a state decision. Mainly due in part to an increased need for local resources to accommodate these programs many districts do not have the infrastructure or capacity to support these initiatives. The Commonwealth should provide additional funding, through the block grant program to those districts that have illustrated a desire to provide enhanced kindergarten programs. 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 have served on the House Education Committee for many years and I mentor in a local elementary school. I have fought hard to ensure that our students have the necessary resources to learn; like quality instructors, quality schools and quality learning tools like computers and other technology of the day. I will continue to fight for the necessary funding to help sustain these needs for the future. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) I have always made it a habit to be available to teachers, students, parents and administrators to hear their concerns about the education system in the state. I feel I have been able to use these relationships to better handle education related legislation and issues. I will continue this open debate on these issues with the ultimate goal of making the Commonwealth a great place to receive an education.
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