The Focus is simple: Education, Education & Preparation.

I will advocate for adequate funding for Public schools.

There is a concerted effort to undermine the public education system of Texas. Over the past decade the legislature has failed to adequately fund the public school system of Texas, but it has burdened it with unfunded mandates.  In 2003, we saw $20 million cut from Texas Education Agency to pay for three (3) special sessions for redistricting led by Tom De Lay and Gov. Rick Perry. In 2006, the Texas legislature reduced funding for public schools and higher education. In 2007, the legislature cut local school taxes and gave Texas’ teachers a pay raise, but again, failed to pay for it.  Last spring the legislature cut $5 billion in funding from Texas public schools but instituted a new school accountability exam (STARR). The STARR exam requires a retraining for many Texas teachers but no funds were allocated. The standards for the exam for 9^th grade students were not created until this fall the same time the test was completed by Pearson. The standards for 3^rd –8^th will not be developed until fall of 2012. Many School principals would have already developed the CIP (Campus Improvement Plans) for the 2012-2013 school year.

I will work for Education Standards free of political and personal values.

The standards for the public education system should be reflective of input from classroom teachers, professional groups, experts, and the State Board of Education. These groups are stakeholders in the public education system and represent relevant points of view on formulating effective instructional standards. Renegade special interest groups should not hijack the process. It is inappropriate for board members to disregard the input of educators and experts then approve standards that are unvested or debated.

I am against the privatization of the public school system

There are special interest groups across the state of Texas advocating for school vouchers. I will stand against the school voucher system. The very children the system is touted to benefit will be the biggest losers in such a program.  The public education system should be operating to promote the common good and not for profit. The public education system is obligated to provide educational services for every student no matter the situation. Private institutions are selective on their acceptance, do not have to meet the school accountability standards of public institutions and have prohibitive cost (uniforms, transportation and fees) that restrict the attendance of the lower socioeconomic student population. Currently, public dollars are being allocated to private institutions in Texas. It is not uncommon for students at private institutions to have services provided by the local public school district. The state of Texas provides public funding for private schools to voluntarily participate in the administration of state standardize test.