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for 2004 Pennsylvania General 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 state funding formula has improved somewhat, finally recognizing growth districts. The per pupil funding ratio should be consistent throughout the state; while the growth districts were calculated in this year's complex education formula, more consideration needs to be given this area-specific phenomenon as well as more special education funding. Fortunately, poorer districts are receiving the largest amounts of new money under this year's budget. I am in favor of the block grant approach, giving school districts the choice to focus on weaknesses in the district or early childhood education. 2. How should the Pennsylvania Legislature assist school districts to meet the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act 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" toward that goal? (75 words or less) The Legislature stepped up to the plate and provided $200 million in block grants to be spent where necessary by the school districts. Tutoring funding of $19 million was included in the budget. NCLB was a wake-up call for all to make certain every child has an equal opportunity for a good education, with dedicated teachers. More federal funding should be provided since this Act came from our President and Congress. 3. How should the Pennsylvania Legislature assist school districts to close the academic achievement gap that exists among groups of students in schools and school districts across the Commonwealth? (75 words or less) We listen to our school districts and constituents and learn where deficiencies lie. This year funding was increased and distributed more fairly to struggling poorer school districts than heretofore, plus block grants and tutoring funding for specific needs. The Legislature is going in the right direction. 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 Legislature is providing $200 million to school districts that may be used for providing early education programs. Surprisingly, there are many parents throughout the state who do not want pre-school or full-day Kindergarten for their children but prefer to "home school" this early education. The decision for pre-school and full-day Kindergarten should be left to the individual school districts. The federal Head Start program received supplemental funding in this year's legislative budget. This program needs support from all levels and its value is recognized as a very important early childhood development program. 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) The state funding formula needs to be further studied and revamped and struggling districts may need further support. We need more involvement by the family and church in stressing the importance of education to our children. Children need less influence from Hollywood and the media which appear to encourage a "dummed down" society and a lack of respect for authority. Behavior and values cannot be legislated or bought - a good education must be respected and sought by all parties in partnership with school districts.
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