The definition of insanity -- doing the same thing
over and over, expecting different results. - Ben Franklin
We are stuck in a loop when it comes to funding education.
We keep spending more on education and the academic results
continue in a downward spiral. If we are to rectify this
problem we must seek alternative solutions to our growing
education problem.
It has become painfully apparent that spending additional
sums of money without accountability does not ensure higher
test scores.
It has become painfully apparent that spending additional
sums of money without accountability does not result in higher
teacher salaries.
It has become painfully apparent that increasing the tax
burden on our citizens to pay for the mounting cost of
education does not guarantee additional parental participation
in our children’s education.
So, why are we doing the same thing over and over;
expecting different results?
No longer can we expect our teachers to pay out of their
own pockets to purchase materials for their classrooms.
No longer can we allow disruptive students and parents of
disruptive students to dictate the disciplinary and
educational policies of our schools.
No longer can we pass failing students to the next higher
grade level to protect their feelings.
We must demand accountability in school finance, discipline
and academics. To do less is to rob our children of their
future.
As Governor, I will sign a bill allowing for parental
choice in schools. No longer can we force our citizen's
children into inferior schools when there are other excellent
public schools, charter schools, as well as private schools
available. Parents must have the same freedom of choice in
schools as they do shopping for groceries or choosing their
doctor.
As Governor, I will sign a corporation tuition tax credit
to help take the burden of funding education off our citizens
and increase the flow of private funds into our schools.
As Governor, I will give the classroom back to the teachers
by asking the legislature to pass a bill providing
indemnification to school administrators and teachers thus
allowing them to use accepted disciplinary procedures in the
classroom.
As Governor, I will ask the legislature and the Department
of Education to streamline the educational budge process so
that parents, educators and legislators can see line by line
where educational dollars are being spent.
As Governor, I will demand accountability in the classroom
and direct pay increases to teachers that facilitate student
educational advances and demonstarate disciplinary control in
the classroom.
As Governor, I will meet with students, parents, teachers,
administrators and businessmen to take a hard look at the AIMS
test to determine if the millions of dollars spent annually to
administer the AIMS test would be better spent elsewhere in
the classroom.
As Governor, I will ask the Department of Education to take
the classroom into the 21st century by including electronic
materials along with written books.
As Governor, I will ask the Department of Education and the
legislature to develop a plan to reduce the number of school
districts within the state, thereby helping to decrease the
cost of education.
As Governor, I will support the efforts and rights of
homeschoolers against intrusive governmental interference.
Arizona can and must become a model of education for the
rest of the country to follow.
With school choice we will introduce educational
competition in our schools. Education, like sports benefits
from strong competition.
With accountable financial and material support from the
private and public sector we can guarantee our children's
schoolbooks and other materials for the classroom, adequate
and accountable pay increases for our teachers and safe and
secure buildings to house our schools.
With indemnification laws we can help give a secure and
safe classroom back to the teachers and guarantee an
accountable standard for student advancement in our
educational system.
As Governor education will continue to be a top priority
for me.
