208-776-5380
PAID BY COMMITTTEE TO
ELECT KEN ANDRUS
Education
I am a firm believer in high quality education and that it should be funded adequately. Having served on the marsh Valley School Board for 5 ½ years, I am aware of educators' concerns.
In the 2008 Legislative Session we:
* Raised beginning teachers' salaries from $31,000 to $31,750.
*Raised the base pay for teachers 2.5%
* Raised certified personnel pay 3%
In his Presidential Convention acceptance speech at the recent Republican National Convention, Senator John McCain said parents must be free to educate their children in private or home school. I agree but would add that Public school teachers should be free from the so called "educational prison" they are in with so many federal mandates and test achievement requirements binding them.
TEACHERS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO TEACH, WHAT THEY ARE TRAINED AND QUALIFIED TO DO.
Parents should have the prerogative to send their child to a private, charter or public school - that should remain their choice. However, if public funds follow the child the playing field should be level. It is not at present. I appreciate parents wanting to take their children out of public schools and enroll them in a charter school to enhance academic achievement for additional curriculum choices, specialize in the arts, have an impact on what is being taught or whatever the reason. However, we are on a course that will weaken and eventually dismantle the public school system, which is mandated by law to provide facilities, services and education to all.
In the past, we have consolidated for financial efficiency. With increasing charter schools, that principal is reversed. Rather, I would like to see less federal control allowing local communities and districts to solve problems in the public schools making them better so the need for charter schools is lessened.