Putting Pennsylvania at the Head of the Class

By Brooks Mountcastle

As a product of public education, I understand how critical it is for public schools to succeed so they can provide the essential knowledge and skills for the next generation. I am committed to supporting initiatives that

Funding per student I will work to improve Pennsylvania's ranking of 32nd in the nation in state funding per student and to address the tremendous inequity in spending per pupil across Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. In 2006-07, spending per students ranged from $7,252 to $18,945. This is unacceptable in our state. Every student, no matter where he or she lives, is entitled to receive a fair chance at achieving his or her fullest potential.

Promoting school readiness and postgraduate education I will work to expand upon opportunities for early childhood education so every child has a fighting chance of academic success later on. I believe students should also be encouraged to pursue post-secondary educational and training opportunities upon graduation. I will aggressively seek and support programs that promote and create excellence and accessibility in education from early childhood and beyond high school graduation. I will support tax credits and low interest loans to make college more affordable for those who think college is financially out of reach.

Supporting educators I support incentives and other efforts to attract and retain talented teachers and administrators in our schools to stimulate students' desire and ability to learn. While I believe in local control of schools, I also believe that parents, students, teachers, administrators and the community must take ownership in the success of our schools.