Issue Position: Improve Schools

Issue Position

According to the Washington State Constitution, education is the paramount duty of the state. I agree completely. We must do more to improve public schools and ensure that students receive an education that will prepare them for happy, productive lives in a competitive 21st Century. The Legislature's recent cuts to public schools and universities are endangering our state's future. There is no doubt that schools can be run more efficiently, but school reform must go hand in hand with adequate school funding.

First, we should asssure local control of schools, by parents, schoolboards and the local community. In addition, we need to reward the very best teachers with higher pay; allow flexibility and innovation; and hold school districts and teachers accountable for student achievement. It is also paramount that we bring transparency to our education spending so that parents and taxpayers can clearly see where and how our hard-earned money is being spent.

My opponent voted to cut millions of dollars in needed school programs and yet failed to support any of the reforms that will truly improve our education system. I will protect essential education funding and lead the reforms needed to improve our schools.

Source