Education is not just an issue for children.  Education is essential to every person, regardless of age.  With the advancements in technology and science, we must all make the effort to learn and grow throughout our lives.

The way I like to comment on the current education system is: "What used to be a high school diploma is now known as a bachelor's degree."  When did our standards drop so far?  Why are the schools, colleges, universities and technical centers failing to teach people to think instead of just memorizing enough to "pass?"

I consider the growing popularity of the Montessori system of education as a sign of a positive developing trend in education.

Local Chesterfield County, Virginia Issues:

INCREASE STANDARDS: The educational standards have fallen too much.  There is too much emphasis on "passing the SOL tests" and not nearly enough focus on the development of the cognitive faculties that would enable to student to excel long after classes are over and will arm him or her with the skills needed throughout their lives.

TAX CREDITS FOR PRIVATE EDUCATION: I support the creation of dollar-for-dollar tax credits for any parent who places their child in private school or who successfully home schools.  This should be in the form of a tax refund up to, but not exceeding, the total taxes paid to Chesterfield County in a given year by the family of the child--subject to verification and completion of the entire year of education.

Under my plan, the County would issue a "refund estimate" to the parent(s) at the beginning of each school year so that it could be used as "assurance" to a private school for the tuition owed (or portion thereof) for a successful year--thus allowing any family to have access to private schooling by potentially eliminating the need to pay tuition up front.

The other benefit of going with a tax credit/refund method is that it removes questions of religious schools versus secular schools.  It is my belief that a parent has the absolute right to determine the type and nature of the education of their own children.

WORLD-CLASS MINDSET: The School Board must work to engender a truly world-class mindset among the faculty of the county's schools.  The question must be asked, "How does _____ directly serve the development of the cognitive abilities of the students?"

more to come...