Political Philosophy for Melanie Bates

Candidate for
State Board of Education; District 4

I am convinced that significant improvements in school achievement will occur only with true involvement of responsible parents and informed community members. Parents must assume responsibility for the education of their children and not assume that it is solely the school's job to educate. It is imperative that both parents and community members become knowledgable about the education environment in their schools and also be congnisant of the politics relative to education. I believe that school reform will occur from the top down and the bottom up simultaneously. Without the support of parents and community members, making my three priorities a reality is not possible.