Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Our children deserve the best educational opportunities possible, because investing in their success is an investment in all of New York City. And because they're our kids.

Jenifer's upbringing centered around education and she believes strongly in the potential of each child. As the beneficiary of a world class education, Jenifer wants all young people in her district to have the same opportunities she had. With this conviction to serve our city's youth, Jenifer proudly spends her time as a Professor of Political Science at CUNY's Lehman College and is a tireless advocate for local education. She knows that access to great schools and after-school activities are the foundation of thriving communities.

As our State Assembly Member, Jenifer will:

*Strengthen and Expand New York State's free-college tuition program, Excelsior, to make college more affordable for all families. A top college education should be possible for all New Yorkers.

*Support the creation and expansion of after-school programs and extracurricular activities, in addition to upgrading playgrounds and ball fields.

*Advocate for stronger school safety laws so all our children can learn in a safe environment and secure more funding for crossing guards and cameras at dangerous intersections.

*Work aggressively to turn around failing schools in the district where the drop out rate is higher than the graduation rate.

*Children with special needs, IEPs, our English Language Learners, and those from difficult family situations all need extra help. Social Services, nutrition, and schools as portals for health care are all vital services that deserve protected funding and staffing.

*Our diverse gifted students from every community need to be identified and encouraged.

*Lastly, and also critically, control and funding of New York City schools should no longer be a political bargaining chip for Albany special interests far from our city. Particularly in the State Senate, NYC schools are ill treated and neglected. Control of schools should be firmly in NYC hands, full restitution and payment on long overdue CFE monies settled, and our schools more robustly funded.

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