Issue Position: Better Education for a Stronger Future

Issue Position

We need to strengthen our children and students' access to quality public education, and continue to provide opportunities for students to grow inside and outside the classroom. Our public schools are of utmost importance, and fighting to strengthen them is one of my top priorities. I am proud to have received my RN education and training right here in the Bronx, and I know the importance of ensuring that all students have the opportunity to continue onto higher education or learn a skill that can lead to a sustainable job.

Only 12% of people 25 and older in our district have a Bachelor's Degree, and nearly 30% of people 25 and older have not been able to complete high school. Our enrollment among school age children in schools is also much lower than it should be. This is unacceptable in our city, and in our community. That is why I support our city's efforts to continue supporting vulnerable communities and their schools. Our schools are a resource that need to be adequately funded,and that funding should not be solely driven by test scores.

I want to put our public education system on track to respond to the growing needs of our students. I've seen some great models for this, in public schools like PS18 in the Bronx. They are part of the NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative, which is a collaborative model of education that includes bringing stakeholders together, and expanding school-based access to health care, community education, and social services. We need to support and broaden programs like these, that ensure that the younger generations receive the tools and educaton to live up to their full potentials.

Furthermore, we need to look at how we keep our youth engaged outside the classroom. It is time we begin to make meaningful investments in the holistic development of our youth. Our community is rich with bright, and talented children and it is our responsibility to provide the resources necessary for their success. I want to continue this fight in our district as your Member of Assembly.

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