Steve Marchand on Education

NH should offer state funding for pre-K, like most states

When it comes to the high costs of attending the state's colleges and universities, Kelly said she would "freeze tuition and lower it as well." And she's proposed increasing the state loan repayment program to give students more flexibility in paying their bills.

Marchand laments that "we are one of 6 states that do not offer state funding for pre-K." Such state funding is one part of the plan on public school reforms that he's proposed.

And taking a shot at Kelly, he's argued that freezing in-state tuition is not enough, as he's called for "debt-free college for in-state students who attend post-secondary education."

Quality public education from pre-K to H.S. to college

Too many people think we have to choose: Either we help working people and their families, or we focus on growing our economy. But my experience shows me that the right priorities do both: We must deliver America's best educational outcomes for our kids--from pre-K on up to high school and college. We have to support our small businesses and striving entrepreneurs.

$5M for debt-free college in needed programs

Marchand: The pilot program between higher education and New Hampshire businesses I would pursue that would cost approximately $5 million a year in three programs: computer science, nursing, and education because those are three places where we don't have enough talent to match the demands. It would create a debt-free college experience for students that enter the program.to work with New Hampshire-based companies or entities. And if they did that, kept their nose clean, kept their grades up, and then worked for one of those New Hampshire-based employers for a period of years after graduation, they would have no debt. It would be half-paid by the private sector participants and half-paid by the targeted state grant for these programs.

Prioritize public school districts and we will see results

A: First, you've got to have the credibility as a candidate and then as a governor to instill confidence that when you say something, that you need that math, that you need those dollars, and you prioritize it very high, that people will see it's the result of a process that they can trust. The number one thing businesses tell me is, if the school district around where they're thinking of putting a business or expanding a business, if it is seen as outstanding, they will win time after time the tiebreakers for the kind of talent, particularly from out of state, that we have to get if we're going to be where we want to go in the next twenty years.