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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) I think when it comes to funding public education there is nothing but weakness. PA needs to increase its share of funding to the 50% level. I would support or introduce legislation which would accomplish this. 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) Again, redistribution of existing funds to greater aid in public school funding. 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) An effort needs to determine what certain school districts are lacking. Once we know what is work, then a solution can be reached. Legislation should be passed to help offset the funding differences between lower tax based districts and higher ones. 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) First, I think we need to determine how many children need help in this area. This is a new program and it need time to be evaluated. 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) Every PA child has the God given right to an education. As a state legislator, I would support this view and work to make sure our school systems are funded and working for our children, not special interests.
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