Local Control for Education

The famous American writer Robin Cook stated, "Education is more than a luxury; it is a responsibility that society owes to itself." Our federal government must work to set standards that make sense, and allow states more latitude in distinguishing between good schools and those needing improvement. In the right hands, all schools can be fostered to improve our education system as a whole.

Last year more than 350,000 students dropped out of high school. The jobless rate for those youth and other recent dropouts was nearly 40%. While we must spend tax-dollars wisely, I believe money going into education is an investment in our future. Our teachers and schools are worth the investment and will continue to cultivate great young Americans if we give them the opportunity.

I believe local control is the key to success in education. More power should rest with state and local stakeholders so specifics of law may be altered to the needs of our schools. As I've said before, parents and teachers will always know better than Washington bureaucrats what works in their communities.

At the same time however, we must hold schools accountable. Federal funding needs to be allocated meticulously. Schools need to be funded well, but carefully. States need to be able to distinguish between schools that truly need help and schools that may have failed one area of testing or sub-group.

Americamust invest in its youth through education. With the help of our teachers, we can develop more productive and engaged citizens.

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