Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Our youth are the future and education expenses make up half of the state's budget. I support and will work to strengthen our public schools and demand that we spend more time listening to teachers. As someone who has taught in the classroom, I have seen first-hand how Indiana is under serving our children and educators.

I am a product of public schools and I believe that education is the way for people to be lifted up. I also believe in providing the children nutritious meals, which will allow them to focus while in the classroom. I know that teachers are on the front lines and they are most knowledgeable about what's best for their pupils. We ought to allow them to do their jobs, but sadly, this is not the case in our State.

I believe we need to expand Pre-K and support the call for all-day kindergarten. In fact, I believe we should lower the compulsory age from 7 to 5. We know that early investments in students leads to more successful academics and social skills.

In terms of school funding, I would oppose any further expansion of the school voucher system and private school tax credits. The issue of private school vouchers and the effectiveness of private charter schools themselves must be studied thoroughly before any more Hoosier taxpayer money is diverted to voucher programs.

In regards to school counselors, I would like to see more counselors in our schools and will work to find the funding in our State to make this happen. Furthermore, I think we need to have an open and honest dialogue about keeping our schools safe. We need to put everything on the table to ensure that our children are safe in their schools.

On the subject of higher education, I have worked on a college campus and understand the burden students have with their student loan debt. I, too, am still paying off my student loan debt. Additionally, I have seen our students struggle with mental health issues and food insecurity, two issues I'd like to work on when I'm elected.

As an education professional myself, I understand the importance of a quality education that is available to all Hoosiers. I will be your advocate in the Indiana General Assembly and always have an open door for teachers, students, and their advocates.

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