Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2001-2009: on Education
Chris Christie:
Public education system is failing; increase accountability
The toughest, most important problems in our state are too often met with simple answers. Take our schools, for example. Our public education system is failing in far too many parts of our state--in our cities, in our suburbs and in the rural
parts of our state. Our children deserve better.All our current government does is simply throw more money at the problem without ever bringing about real change. Change won't come just with more money.
That's the easy answer that hasn't worked for far too long. Change will only come with increased accountability and greater parental involvement.
It is a moral imperative to educate our children in every corner of this state.
It's time we had a Governor with the courage to provide tough answers for tough questions. Chris Christie will be that Governor.
Source: 2009 Gubernatorial campaign website, christiefornj.com
Jul 21, 2009
Chris Daggett:
Whatever works best--public, private, religious, charter
Education is critical to the future prosperity of New Jersey. For more than 35 years, in response to numerous NJ Supreme Court cases, we have spent billions on improving urban education, with very little to show for it. Despite spending more than $20,000
per student, high school graduation rates remain abysmally low in Newark, Camden and numerous other urban school districts. Even worse, in some cases as many as 90% of the graduates need remedial help in basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics
before being able to attend or succeed in college.This is not just a financial and educational issue, it is a moral issue. Whatever works best for each student should be utilized--public, private, religious, charter, vocational or home-based schools.
We must set rigorous standards, improve teaching, and cultivate greater parental involvement, and we must coordinate with social service agencies. We cannot accept excuses, we cannot fail, and we cannot just continue to throw more money at the problem.
Source: 2009 Gubernatorial campaign website, daggettforgovernor.com
Jul 21, 2009
Creigh Deeds:
Require that teacher salaries be above the national average
Creigh's priorities in education are clear: ensuring access to a quality pre-kindergarten program, increasing the number of Virginia students pursuing higher education and taking care of Virginia's teachers who spend each day in the classroom caring for
our children. In recent years the average teacher salary in Virginia has lagged behind other states. Each year, talented and dedicated teachers leave Virginia classrooms for better-paying positions in North Carolina and other surrounding states.
According to the National Education Association, in 2006-2007 Virginia ranked 31st in the nation in average teacher salary, down from 20th in the nation as recently as 2004.
We can do better. That is why Senator Deeds wrote legislation requiring
our teacher's salaries be no less then the national average. Virginia's teachers deserve better and Senator Deeds has made it a priority to ensure that we take care of the teachers who are taking care of our children.
Source: 2009 Gubernatorial campaign website www.deedsforvirginia.com
Jul 21, 2009
Bev Perdue:
Raise teacher salaries; increase technology in schools
Bev is on the forefront of education reform in North Carolina, including:- Raising teacher salaries and passing legislation to make North Carolina first in the nation in the number of nationally certified teachers
-
Increasing technology in our schools through school connectivity and long-distance and on-line learning programs
- Sponsoring and co-sponsoring initiatives such as Smart Start, the Safe Schools Act, and the ABCs accountability program.
Source: 2008 Gubernatorial website, bevperdue.com, “Accomplishments”
Nov 4, 2008
Jack Markell:
Evaluate whether charter schools are becoming segregated
Delaware students and families can choose to attend any public school in the country, making our system one of the only comprehensive public school choice programs in the country. We are ranked 3rd in the country in the percentage of children who attend
charter schools. After over a decade of operation for both programs, I will ensure the following evaluations are made:- Are the programs working as intended or not?
- Are school choice and charter schools helping or hurting the ability of existing
public school districts to offer quality programs?
- Are the Charter schools and public schools becoming “segregated?”
- How do we deal with construction financing for charter schools?
We need to seriously review how well charter schools are
inter-district transfers are serving the needs of all Delaware families. And we need parents to understand their options for utilizing charter schools--a deficit identified in Opportunity Knocks.
Source: 2008 Gubernatorial campaign website, markell.org, “Issues”
Nov 4, 2008
Jay Nixon:
Re-invest in our public school system
Jay Nixon believes that a quality education is the key to achieving the American Dream. We need to strengthen our education system from top to bottom so that every child, no matter where in Missouri that child lives or what that child’s parents do for
a living, has an opportunity to succeed.Jay is a living testament to the potential of our public school system, attending the Jefferson County schools as a kid and going on receive his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Missouri.
As Attorney General, Jay has seen first-hand the problems facing Missouri public schools. He knows that many of our school buildings are in poor shape, we need more technology in the classroom, our teachers are vastly underpaid, and too many of
our children are dropping out of high school. Simply put, there are children in Missouri who do not have adequate and equal access to a quality education. That must change. As Governor, Jay will make it a priority to re-invest in our public school system
Source: 2008 Gubernatorial campaign website, nixonforgovernor.com
Nov 4, 2008
Joe Manchin III:
Increased teacher pay
Making A Difference In Education- State received an "A" for technology from Education Week
- Gave state universities increased research flexibility
- Increased teacher pay by up to 19%
- Launched statewide business/education partnership
-
Enacted the first comprehensive teacher pay package in more than 15 years
- Gave state universities increased flexibility to pursue new research that could spawn new discoveries.
Source: 2008 Gubernatorial campaign website, for re-election
Nov 1, 2008
Bill Ritter:
Invest more in our education system, and demand more
As Governor, I plan to invest more in - and demand more from - our education system. Education must be the state’s No. 1 priority. It will be my top priority as GovernorFor too long, the conversation about education reform has involved accusation and
punishment. My administration will stand for opportunity and encouragement for all learners. It is time we refocus our energy on:Fostering high-quality educators and inspiring a new generation of teachers. Establish ‘Principals
Institute.’ Support Pay for Performance. Improve Teacher Recruitment. Create a Low-Interest Home Loan for Teachers. Create a Governor’s Award of Education Excellence for New Teachers. Making Sure Children Arrive at School Ready to
LearnExpand Early Childhood Education Programs. Create a Statewide Child Care Report Card. Encourage Collaboration. Getting parents more involved. Improving higher education while also keeping it affordable.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, ritterforgovernor.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Brad Henry:
Build the best possible public schools & universities
With an eye on the future, Gov. Henry has worked to build the best possible public schools and universities to serve Oklahoma families. He’s delivered more resources to classrooms and college campuses in addition to embarking on a
four-year effort to raise teacher pay to the regional average. For the state’s youngest citizens, the governor has helped improve access to early childhood education.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, henryforgovernor.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Donald Carcieri:
Double funding for schools in “intervention” status
In his budget plan for next year, Governor Carcieri proposed to increase state funding for local schools by $41 million, which represents the largest increase in state aid for education in six years. That funding will help local communities educate
Rhode Island children while limiting increases in local property taxes. To help bring up schools that have been classified in “intervention” status, Governor Carcieri allocated $2.9 million in FY 2006, doubling of funding from the previous year.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, carcieriforgovernor.com
Nov 7, 2006
Ed Rendell:
Resources to public schools to invest in proven initiatives
Under Governor Rendell, student achievement is on the rise at every grade level and in every subject. Pennsylvania’s public schools now have the resources to invest in proven education initiatives like pre-kindergarten,
full-day kindergarten and tutoring. Almost 100 school districts are investing in class-size reduction in kindergarten through 3rd grade to benefit nearly 20,000 children.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, rendellforgovernor.com
Nov 7, 2006
Eliot Spitzer:
Public schools are struggling
Despite the heroic efforts of many people, New York State’s public schools are struggling in their mission to provide the best possible education. Our state has a high school graduation rate of 58 percent, the third-worst in the country.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, spitzerpaterson.com
Nov 7, 2006
Jennifer Granholm:
Raise K-12 funding from $6,875 per pupil to $7,075
- K-12 Funding is at an All-Time High of $6,875 per pupil, and she is proposing an additional increase in her 2007 budget to bring per-pupil funding to $7,075.
- Signed legislation allowing school districts to develop and implement
Early Intervention Programs for students in grades K-3.
- Signed Legislation Establishing a New Rigorous High School Curriculum in Michigan.
- Repaired Decaying Public Schools.
- Expanded high quality after-school programs.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, granholmforgov.com
Nov 7, 2006
Jerry Brady:
Support sustainable funding for public schools
In order to prepare our children and to strengthen our state and our nation, we advance the following seven principles and support them with effective solutions: - Every child deserves to learn and grow in an environment that provides safety
and emotional support.
- Parents are their children’s best advocates and, as such, must be full partners in their educational decisions.
- Children learn best when their school environment is supportive of each child’s learning.
The tools necessary for learning--whether labs, technology, or textbooks--must be available and up to date.
- Every child deserves a highly skilled and caring teacher.
-
Return control to parents, [via] three regional parental advisory boards elected by local PTA and PTO members.
- Promotion of character development.
- Support sustainable funding for public schools.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, bradyforidaho.org
Nov 7, 2006
Jerry Brady:
Parents in concert with schools develop kids’ moral compass
Parents, working in concert with their locally elected trustees, must be empowered to shape the schools their children attend. Compassionate parenting is needed for our children to develop the strength of character and moral compass they need to thrive &
prosper in a world that has turned from personal responsibility and respect for others to one where greed & violence often predominate. [I support] promotion of character development. We want our children to not only be smart, but good citizens as well.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, bradyforidaho.org
Nov 7, 2006
Jerry Brady:
Supports school prayer
Jerry Brady supports a moment of silence for prayer in schools.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, bradyforidaho.org
Nov 7, 2006
Kathleen Sebelius:
Protect and strengthen public schools after years of neglect
She came to office on a pledge to protect education and strengthen Kansas schools after too many years of neglect from the Kansas Legislature. And on public education, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has delivered. Once an active PTA member whose two
grown sons are products of Kansas public schools, Governor Sebelius has been an outspoken advocate for parents, teachers, and taxpayers - and for continuing Kansas’ time-honored commitment to public education.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign site www.ksgovernor.com “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Mark Sanford:
Supports merit pay for teachers
One of the bedrock principles of any market-based system is the notion of pay for performance. While we have been successful at raising the average pay for teachers in South Carolina and providing bonus pay for teacher certification,
we need to do more to directly tie improved results in the classroom to increased pay for those results. Merit pay has shown positive results; instituting some form of merit pay for teachers is a goal of this administration.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, SanfordForGovernor.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Martin O`Malley:
Give students, teachers & parents resources they need
Martin O’Malley believes that, to fulfill Maryland’s potential, we must return to building a world-class education system and ensure opportunity for all Maryland children.
We need to focus on giving students, teachers and parents the resources they need to succeed.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, martinomalley.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Mike Beebe:
Plan for ensuring teacher quality
Ensuring Teacher Quality- Create options to ensure rural students have access to 21st century education.
- Create authorizing legislation or construct a regulation to encourage Traveling Teachers.
- Launch pilot program for comprehensive
alternative pay option for Arkansas teachers.
- Attract and retain quality teachers by continually upgrading the existing teacher mentor model.
- Expand the existing teacher mentor model to provide more supports for new teachers.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, www.mikebeebe.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Mike Rounds:
Provide a quality education for our children
Mike’s Priorities- Balancing the State’s Budget and Reducing the Structural Deficit While:
- Taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves--the very young and the very old
- Protecting society from those who would do us harm
-
Providing a quality education for our children because they are our future
- Growing South Dakota’s economy
- Improving Tribal relations
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, roundsforgov.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Phil Bredesen:
Raise teacher pay;expand pre-K
I believe education is Tennessee’s fundamental priority. It’s the key to growing a strong economy, ensuring future success for our children and improving the quality of life for all Tennesseans. My top priorities include:- Fully funding the
Basic Education Program (BEP).
- Raising teacher pay.
- Expanding pre-kindergarten programs.
- Encouraging reading initiatives.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, bredesen.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Ted Kulongoski:
Unified pre-K through 20 system
In order to put Oregon’s economy into overdrive, a well-funded and accessible pre-K through 20 education system should and will be implemented. This education enterprise will create a seamless system where pre-K through 12, community colleges,
universities and workforce training are part of a single, unified system instead of the traditionally independent sectors that compete for the same dollars. “We need a long term vision that recognizes that education and the economy are interdependent.”
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, www.tedforgov.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Tim Pawlenty:
Require Pledge of Allegiance in public schools
- Signed legislation requiring the Pledge of Allegiance in Minnesota’s public schools.
- Expanded access and increased funding for Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs.
- Repealed the
Profile of Learning and raised the bar on education with: Minnesota Academic Standards--rigorous academic requirements for math, reading, science, social studies and arts.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, www.timpawlenty.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Christy Mihos:
Favors chartre schools at the current cap
Christy supports legislation to that would institute a two-tiered high school diploma system, which would provide MCAS-certified diplomas to students who pass the test, and local diplomas to students who have fulfilled their high school
graduation requirements but have not passed the MCAS. Christy favors charter schools, but he would not raise the cap that limits the number of them.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.christy2006.com
Jul 16, 2006
Christy Mihos:
No fees for school buses or school sports
Will remove all sport & activity fees from public schools. School busing must be provided free to all public school students grades 1 through 12.
By using state tax dollars to support our cities and towns [via local aid], Christy will take the financial burden off of families with children who wish to be active in their school communities.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.christy2006.com
Jul 16, 2006
Chris Gabrieli:
Started the 2020 Foundation to innovate in schools
Education is so important to Chris that in 2000, Chris left his private sector job to start his own non-profit organization, Massachusetts 2020 Foundation. The sole mission of the organization is to expand educational and economic opportunities for
children and families across Massachusetts. Its mission is grounded in the basic philosophy that quality education and access to economic opportunity are vital to giving every citizen an equal chance to achieve the American Dream.
Over the past five years, Chris and Massachusetts 2020 have launched a number of innovative programs to improve the educational opportunities for our children, like the Boston’s After-School for All Partnership, the School Sites Initiative,
Literacy Coaching Initiative and the Middle School Initiative.
The results of all of these initiatives are better educated children who are more prepared for college and the challenges of a competitive global economy.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, gabrieli.org, “issues”
Jun 4, 2006
Chris Gabrieli:
Local solutions & state cooperation to keep kids in school
Q: With the Massachusetts high school drop-out rate increasing, what will you do to ensure that kids stay in school?A: This is a serious problem - but there’s not a “one-size-fits-all” solution to it.
Each community has its own needs and will need its own solution - and it will require the state, local governments and families to work together to get real results. One of the things we need to do is make school interesting and fun for students.
Different students have different interests, and extracurricular programs such as sports, arts, music and vocational courses are being cut. We need to keep our kids engaged, and often that means finding something other than reading, writing
and math that keeps them interested in school. As Governor, I will encourage the growth of these programs to keep kids engaged, I’ll fund drop-out prevention programs, and I’ll work with local school districts to develop plans that work best for them.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, gabrieli.org, “FAQs”
Jun 3, 2006
Chris Gabrieli:
Extend the school day
I’ve worked to bring after-school programs to thousands of kids in Massachusetts and right now I’m working with the state legislature to extend the school day in a number of districts. These programs expand the opportunities for kids to get engaged
in activities at their school and to explore new areas of interest. They also give kids a safe place to be after school while their parents are still at work, helping kids avoid negative influences like alcohol and drugs that often lead to drop-outs.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, gabrieli.org, “FAQs”
Jun 3, 2006
Chris Gabrieli:
More state funding and tax breaks for college costs
Q: What will you do to make college more affordable?A: College tuition is skyrocketing across the state, but the state is not paying its fair share. Instead of investing in our colleges and universities, the state’s investment in higher education has
actually decreased over the last five years. As Governor, I will work to adequately fund higher education and to increase access to financial aid. I’ll also help families out by making contributions to State College Savings Plans tax deductible.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, gabrieli.org, “FAQs”
Jun 3, 2006
Grace Ross:
Free education
Our Issues- Free education centered on each one’s greatest potential
Source: 2006 gubernatorial campaign website, www.graceandwendy.org
Jun 3, 2006
Christy Mihos:
More state funding for schools, to relieve local funding
Remove All Academic and Activity Fees From Public Schools: There’s no excuse for such fees, and localities shouldn’t be in a position where they feel as if they have to penalize their own children for being active and involved.
By increasing local aid to 40 percent, localities will no longer be in that position.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website christy2006.com “Prop 1”
Jun 2, 2006
Tom Reilly:
Education the only path to real opportunity
Tom’s parents knew that education was the only path to real opportunity in America. A product of both Springfield public schools and Cathedral High School , Tom became the first person in his family to attend college.
After one year at Saint Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia , he returned to Springfield to attend American International College where he graduated in 1964.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
Tim Kaine:
Make education policy by first-hand visits to schools
When I was Mayor of Richmond, I took a vow to visit a school in our city every Tuesday morning. I knew the public schools that my three children attended but I wanted to see the real condition of children’s education throughout the city.
On my visits, I learned in a first-hand way the strengths and weaknesses of individual schools, listened to teachers, parents and students, and witnessed how educational policies play out in real life classrooms.
Source: 2005 Gubernatorial campaign website kaine2005.org, “Issues”
Nov 8, 2005
Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Measure student progress and school progress
Our children are not where they can be. The academic achievement for California students must improve. We have an achievement gap that leaves behind too many of our state’s children. This is unacceptable. I will take aggressive measures to improve
our public schools. I guarantee to every Californian: - Schools that are safe and clean
- Classroom instruction based on proven research
- Quality textbooks for every student
- Tests that measure student and school progress
Source: 2003 Gubernatorial campaign website, JoinArnold.com
Aug 29, 2003
Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Supports public school choice and community control
I will take aggressive measures to improve our public schools. I guarantee to every Californian: - After-school tutoring and public school choice when schools fail to make progress
- Increased local control
-
My goal is to shift more power to local communities and give them more say over their budgets and get more money into the classroom.
Source: 2003 Gubernatorial campaign website, JoinArnold.com
Aug 29, 2003
Doug Racine:
Improve Act 60 funding system by removing sharing pool
VT children & taxpayers suffered under an unfair system of school financing. Some communities enjoyed high levels of spending with low taxes; but most towns struggled with high taxes and under-funded schools.
In the Brigham decision, the VT Supreme Court ruled that the system was unconstitutional. Act 60 was the response, but it is a work in progress.
In 2002, Senator Shumlin proposed a plan to eliminate the sharing pool while preserving the equity of Act 60. Towns would receive a fixed block grant per pupil and taxpayers would pay a fixed statewide property tax.
Towns that choose to spend more or less than the block grant would have proportionately higher or lower tax rates. It’s simple, easy and fair. As Governor, I will introduce similar legislation.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website,DougRacine.com, “Issues”
Oct 18, 2002
Jim Douglas:
Public school choice for poor & middle class
Not every child receives an equal opportunity for the best education VT’s public schools can provide. When a school fails to meet the individual needs of a student, wealthy families can pay tuition and choose another school,
but poor and middle-class children are left behind. That is wrong. Choice should not be a privilege reserved for only the wealthy. It should be the right of all Vermonters. I will open the doors of our best public schools to every child.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website JimDouglas.org, “Issues”
Oct 18, 2002
Mike Rounds:
Internet sales tax to raise education funding
Out-of-state companies make millions of dollars in sales in South Dakota over the Internet, but they avoid collecting sales tax. Fortunately, the South Dakota legislature has already approved a “fix” for this problem, enabling a smooth transition to
Internet sales tax collection. The moratorium expires in 2003. Thus, we can conservatively expect to eliminate the on-going deficit, reduce property taxes by an additional 5%, and increase state aid to education by about $250 per child.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site, RoundsForGov.com, “Property Tax”
Oct 17, 2002
Mike Fisher:
Opportunity scholarships: poor kids to private schools
As Governor Mike Fisher will seek to establish a program in Pennsylvania that targets opportunity scholarships in empowerment schools districts. The plan will target empowerment district with need based scholarships to low-income families so that they
have the chance to send their children to a school, public or private, that provides them a better opportunity in which to learn.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site, MikeFisher.com, “Issues:Education”
Oct 16, 2002
Bill Richardson:
No vouchers: they abandon public schools
I will tell you, right up front, that I am opposed to vouchers. To me, they represent flight and abandonment of our public schools. I believe private school vouchers would drain precious resources from the children who need it most.
This is precisely the wrong step to take right now. Providing vouchers, draining our schools of funds, takes our focus off the task. It says, “We give up.” And I’m not ready to give up - I’m ready to get to work.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site RichardsonForGovernor.com, “Educate”
Oct 15, 2002
Dick Posthumus:
Annual testing to measure student progress
Dick Posthumus believes that Michigan’s state assessment program needs to be improved in order to add value to teaching and learning. Testing must provide regular and timely feedback to teachers and parents in order to help them know how a child is doing
in the classroom. To make this goal a reality, Posthumus will move to swiftly implement the annual testing system called for in the Leave No Child Behind Act. Annual testing will allow teachers and parents to better follow the progress of each child.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, DickPosthumus.com,
Oct 14, 2002
Peter Cianchette:
Fund classrooms separate from school administration
A top priority in my administration will be to separate the classroom dollars, (books, teachers and students) from the non-classroom dollars, (administrative, buses, nutrition services, technology, purchasing, etc.)
Next, we will begin to fully fund the classroom dollars at the local level, and begin to reduce the non-classroom functions at the local level and insist they be delivered regionally.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site, CianchetteForGovernor.com “Issues”
Oct 14, 2002
Peter Cianchette:
Expand school choices & public school funding
My administration will expand educational choices for Maine families. Charter schools, refundable tax credits, protecting the rights of parents to home school their children & expanding Maine’s school choice program are all components of educational
opportunity that my administration will encourage and support. New educational opportunities must not be made available at the expense of our public schools & my administration will not support policies that siphon money from the public education system.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site, CianchetteForGovernor.com “Issues”
Oct 14, 2002
Linda Lingle:
No vouchers; more funding, more charters
Instead of vouchers, we should make our schools work better.
Better means each teacher has the supplies and equipment they need; each classroom is safe and comfortable; locally elected school boards to give parents and teachers a real say in education; and charter schools to offer parents an important option.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, LindaLingle.com
Oct 10, 2002
Tim Shallenburger:
Merit pay for teachers based on teacher testing
Teacher pay must be linked to performance, not solely to seniority. Many will argue that performance criteria are bound to be subjective, narrow and unfair. This is why teachers, themselves, should help design an equitable system.
Standardized test scores should be but one of several considerations. Discipline, portfolio work and a host of other factors should be considered.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial website TimShallenburger.com, “Issues”
Oct 10, 2002
Tim Shallenburger:
Increase classroom funding by increasing efficiency
I believe that classroom education funding should increase in Kansas. Our classroom teachers rank 40th in pay among the states, yet in our region, our citizens pay more in taxes for education than most.
We must work diligently to increase classroom funding by more efficiently spending existing education dollars.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial website TimShallenburger.com, “Issues”
Oct 10, 2002
Roger Moe:
More funding, then accountability
Moe will get schools the resources they need to succeed, and then hold teachers, parents, students, and schools accountable for results. Moe will make sure that the state meets its commitment to education funding. In addition, Moe will hold the federal
government accountable for its funding mandates for special education. Moe’s plan focuses on accountability, while getting testing under control. His administration will make sure that new tests don’t duplicate what we already have in place.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, MoeForMN.com, “Issues”
Oct 9, 2002
Roger Moe:
Vouchers drain resources from public schools
Roger Moe has opposed voucher schemes that drain resources from public schools. He will continue to oppose vouchers as governor.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, MoeForMN.com, “Issues”
Oct 9, 2002
Tim Pawlenty:
Student standards & teacher standards
Pawlenty feels we should properly fund our schools but also hold them accountable for improved student achievement. The state should assess student progress & hold districts accountable for improved results.
More rigorous graduation standards for all students need to be implemented statewide. We need performance pay for school staff. Our seniority only salary system is out of date and we should be rewarding teachers for performance.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial website TimPawlenty.com, “On the Issues”
Oct 9, 2002
Joe Neal:
Increase funding with gaming tax
The gross gaming tax remains the lowest in the world while our schools continue in dire need of support. We need to take care of our children. We need funding for education, books, teachers’ salaries.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, JoeNeal.org, “Issues”
Oct 8, 2002
Stormy Dean:
Fund Education First: higher priority for state funding
I support a measure I call, Fund Education First. This initiative will place the emphasis of state funding on education as our #1 funding priority.
I believe before we fund other state programs we make sure education is fully funded. Without a well-educated workforce, economic development is impossible.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website StormyDean.com, “Issues”
Oct 8, 2002
Stormy Dean:
Reform funding formula to reduce property taxes
I believe that we must update the state aid formula for education. It was an attempt to lessen school districts’ dependence on local property taxes. The Governor rolled back the clock on the funding formula by eliminating $22 million last April.
School districts across the state are raising property tax rates to make up the difference. I will provide a long-term course for the state & for public education and for property taxpayers wanting relief in dealing with the issues facing education today
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website StormyDean.com, “Issues”
Oct 8, 2002
Bill Curry:
Increase education funding
The CT Supreme Court, in Horton vs. Meskill, said the state should be paying 50% of the cost of local education. Under John Rowland, the state’s share of local education funding has hovered around 40%.
In the greatest economic expansion of our lifetime, the state has actually reduced its commitment to fund local education. One can only imagine what would’ve happened had we been in a recession.
As your Governor, I will increase the state’s share of education funding. If elected Governor, I will raise the state portion of local funding to at least 50%. That is just for a start. We need to do much more.
But that will be a substantial step towards basic fairness in state funding for most children in Connecticut . As our most precious resource in every sense, there is no more important use of taxpayer dollars than this one-investing in our children
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website CurryForCT.com, “Issues”
Oct 7, 2002
Jimmie Lou Fisher:
Raise teacher salaries by $4,000
As governor, I will increase teacher salaries. My administration will raise teacher pay by $4,000 in the next biennium.
A raise was promised to teachers - but Governor Huckabee refused to honor his promise. I will make good on my promise.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, JimmieLouFisher.com
Oct 7, 2002
Jimmie Lou Fisher:
Double classroom funding for supplies
Our teachers currently pay for art supplies, pencils, chalk - not to mention software and CD-ROMs - out of their own pockets. Teachers should be provided the necessary tools to complete their job.
As Governor, I will approximately double each K-6th grade classroom’s discretionary spending allowances from $250 to $500.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, JimmieLouFisher.com
Oct 7, 2002
Jimmie Lou Fisher:
$2.7M for 1,000 new teacher signing bonuses
As governor, I will institute one-time “signing bonuses” to attract new teachers. It would cost $2.7 million dollars to offer a $2,250 signing bonus to teachers in their first teaching position, filling about 1,000 of our openings per year.
This is an investment that Arkansas must be willing to make. My administration will also offer low-interest home loans to certified teachers who agree to serve in our low performing schools.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, JimmieLouFisher.com
Oct 7, 2002
Sonny Perdue:
Streamline school bureaucracy; empower parents
The current administration has used a “one size fits all” strategy & added extra layers of bureaucracy to government. These extra burdens ignore the varying needs of our children, stifle teacher creativity, and endanger the true education of our children
Perdue will empower local schools, teachers, and parents to make decisions about their children’s education. Our government must accept that parents, teachers, and communities know the needs of our children better than a bureaucracy in Atlanta.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, VoteSonny.com, “Issues”
Oct 7, 2002
Brad Henry:
Increase resources for public schools
As state senator, Henry boosted education funding, supported reduced class sizes, raised teacher salaries & played a pivotal role to get discipline and citizenship back in the classroom.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial website, BradHenry4governor.com, "Issues"
Sep 17, 2002
Kevin Mannix:
Increase funding without raising taxes
Mannix has signed the Oregon School Employees Association’s pledge requiring the legislature to solve OR’s long-term school funding problem during the 2003 legislative session. “We can solve our school funding crisis without raising personal income or
business taxes,” Mannix said. “My administration will work to create more jobs, thereby increasing income for schools. And I will work on PERS reform, which has short and long-term effects on our children’s education.”
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial website, MannixForOregon.org, “Pledge”
Aug 30, 2002
Page last updated: Dec 02, 2018