Issue Position: Quality Education

Issue Position

Public education is at the heart of a healthy Cape and Islands community. Our schools, however, face a formidable set of challenges. Although our region's schools have some of the highest percentages of students receiving subsidized lunches, high property values mean that they receive paltry levels of state aid. We must address this problem without further burdening low-income families. With a sustained progressive vision, we can ensure success for our students and their families and neighbors. I plan to:

*Reexamine the inequitable formulas embedded in Chapter 70 distribution of state school aid to ensure our schools receive the support they need
*Improve transportation options for students attending regional tech schools or school districts and for special needs students who need access to appropriate educational resources
*Encourage investments in early education and childcare, which research shows results in advantages that can last a lifetime.
*Support adequate funding for higher education so that our young people can attain the skills they need to keep contributing to our region

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