Education

The Education tax burden and the method by which schools are funded, along with the decline in academic proficiency in all core areas, are a top issue. I am well aware parents in the MAUSD are displeased with the expense, top-heavy administration, lack of services for students that need them, disciplinary issues, and academic performance.

 

Act 60 has demonstrated, after 25 years in existence, that equity in per-pupil spending does not result in improved academic outcomes for all students. Only compulsory attendance is required by statute under Title 16. There is no law that requires a specific level of proficiency in any core academic. There are too many regulations at the State level that limit how school boards can manage their own budgets.

 

The solution is to repeal Act 60 and Act 127 and return control to the local level, remove political agendas from the classroom, and focus on core academics. School Choice legislation would improve academics and lower costs, and local oversight of public schools will help to ensure students are not falling through the cracks in academics and needed services.