Engaging Families in Education
Kyle's Position: The state government cannot create private sector jobs, but it can influence how well our education system prepares our youth for the future. In order to recruit and retain businesses and families, as well as create new jobs, we must have a strong education system. That is why I support making sure that parents have control of their children's education so that their children's diversified needs are met to the utmost potential.
Without a strong education system that is diverse enough to meet the needs of ALL Marylanders, we will not be able to compete economically in today's world. High-quality education should extend not only to those attending elementary and secondary schools, but also to those who are enrolled in community colleges, public universities, vocational schools, public-private institutions, and even those seeking rehabilitation while incarcerated.
Beyond parental control, we need to explore more reforms as far as what we teach, how we teach, and who controls the school and how that directly influences teachers and the students. Every student has individual needs that cannot be met under one homogenized system. However, in Howard County, we have excellent public schools. As your state senator I will keep a watchful eye on state spending to ensure that as much money from the coffers of Annapolis flows directly into schools instead of being averted too much into overhead and administrative services.
Even though Howard County schools are among the best in the country and I am running to represent Howard County, it is also important to
focus on the schooling across Maryland, especially in troubled areas. All Marylanders must be given the tools to succeed in the 21st century, and again, our state's economy can only benefit from effective education throughout the state.
I recognize that some students have special needs. I will be an advocate for those students.
Finally, by equipping our children with a good education we will also help to keep taxes low for all Marylanders. A well-rounded economic base will provide a good tax revenue stream that will help all Howard County residents, since budget crisis will occur less as revenue becomes less cyclical. In terms of taxes, the more successful Maryland residents are, especially those living in low income areas, the less dependent they will be on transfer payments and government assistance.
