|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
My children attend public schools where class sizes are rising and essential programs are being cut. Our public schools are in crisis because unfunded mandates linked to No Child Left Behind—NCLB (which I oppose) and the mainstreaming of kids with disabilities (which I support if adequately funded) are stressing local school budgets. Shifting the costs of education from general taxes to property taxes also strains budgets, aggravates inequalities and erodes financial support for public education.
I oppose NCLB because it receives inadequate funding, stifles creativity of teachers and students, and punishes rather than helps schools that need help.
I support increased state and federal funding for k-12 public education. I support a federally funded universal preschool program for 3-5 year-olds to be paid for with reductions in military spending. I also call for ending tax breaks given by the Bush administration to the richest 1% of US families and redirecting those resources to make college and university education affordable to all students.