Mark Dayton Response
1
Question 1: Many alternatives to the existing education
system have been proposed; including charter schools, vouchers and private
sector involvement. Do you favor any of these approaches, or do you
have specific proposals to strengthen the current system?
I am a strong supporter of public education. My first job after
college was teaching ninth grade science on the Lower East Side of
New York City. It was the toughest job I've ever had. Dedicated
teachers have my utmost respect and admiration.
While I support charter schools and open enrollment, I am opposed to
vouchers. Families should be free to send their children to private
schools, but their non-public choices should not be subsidized by other
taxpayers. The public school system is our best hope for social
progress.
It is shocking that the current Governor of Minnesota is not a strong
ally of public schools, teachers, and administrators. That attitude
will change if I am elected Governor of Minnesota.
I have a detailed, progressive agenda for public education in
Minnesota:
1. major increases in real dollars to the per-pupil funding
formula
2. improved teachers' salaries and benefits
3. reduced class sizes
4. more compensatory aid for students who live in poverty, who
have disabilities, and who need ESL classes
5. increased funding for new computers and other educational
technology
6. after-school programs for kids, using counselors, coaches,
and mentors
7. eventual transfer of K-12 funding from local property taxes
to progressive state taxes
8. programs to help teachers expand their professional horizons
and acquire new skills
9. promote greater respect for academic achievement
10. involve parents in the schools
