Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

As we are growing our economy, the status and future of public education is the top priority in every community. Much of what we do in our schools is positive and productive, but limitations imposed by fiscal constraints continue to detract from the overall goal -- preparing our children to be successful and productive members of our communities. Even as we close achievement gaps (consider, for example, our MCAS achievement rates), many students, parents, teachers, and administrators still experience frustration with difficult challenges that face our schools. Let's look at this in simple terms:

First, we have a clear responsibility to ensure that school buildings and associated facilities are safe, modern, and properly equipped to make it possible for teachers to achieve their goals. Sufficient funding must be allocated and spent wisely to maintain or replace deteriorating and inadequate structures and recreational facilities.

Second, we must attract and support the right number of qualified teachers to achieve optimal class sizes and develop a modern curriculum that will prepare our children for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. We need to commit the teaching resources that good schools require, as there is no higher priority for our state's future than educating our children and adults.

Third, we need to expand and strengthen programs at our community and state colleges. Sufficient educational options must be available to meet the needs and talents of all children. I agree with the compromise approach worked out by the House in their 2013 budget for integrated management of community college programs as a significant and positive step in the right direction. Also, it is critical that tuition and fees at our state colleges remain truly affordable.

Fourth, we need to protect every child by emphasizing principles of mutual respect and common courtesy in every aspect of the school environment. Many types of behavior qualify as bullying, but the common element necessary to solve this problem is to make it possible for everyone connected with our schools -- administrators, teachers, students and parents -- to speak up and help put an end to intolerance and disrespect in any form it may take. Teaching tolerance in our schools is a responsibility that we must fulfill as we create strong communities.

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