Issue Position: Strengthening our Public Schools

Issue Position

Public education is the foundation for a strong democracy and a pathway to a better life for all of our children, as it was for me -- a product of Massachusetts public schools from kindergarten through high school. Our district has a legacy of leaders who have prioritized improving the quality of our public schools and I will continue that tradition because strong schools are essential for strong communities. As the son of a public school teacher, I know the importance of teachers. I will work to give teachers the resources they need to be effective in their classrooms. I also will advocate for enrichment programs and after-school programs so students have the opportunities they need to succeed.

I support expanding access to quality schools for all our children, including programs from early childhood through college. High-quality, early childhood education gives young children the opportunity to be better prepared to start school and provides working parents a safe place for their children.

We need to make college education affordable. Right now, many of our young people in college are drowning in debt. I will work to make college more affordable so the next generation can start their adulthood without mountains of debt holding them back. A highly educated population will create new businesses and jobs for the 21st century, so it is critical for us to keep Boston and Cambridge at the forefront of the innovation economy by ensuring quality, affordable education for all.

I will continue to advocate for a public school in the Boston part of the district, which currently has none. Recently, Boston approved the purchase of 585 Commercial Street for a public school, which will serve 500 children by the fall of 2016. This is a great start, but I will continue to work until each student receives a high quality education and has a local school option.

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