Curriculum - Educational material should be based on the abilities and needs of our students and community. A one size-fits all approach doesn't work, but making change for change's sake isn't the answer.

NCLB and testing - Measuring academic achievement is necessary. It should be relevant and provide the student, teacher, and parents meaningful information to help maximize a student's potential. I will work with state education officials and our Congressional delegation to fix gaps in the "No Child Left Behind" Act. Testing participation levels should not be a punitive standard. Special Education students should be tested and evaluated separately.

Compensation – Everyone deserves fair and proper compensation. It must be competitive to attract and retain staff, affordable to the community, and include mechanisms to encourage and reward superior performance.

Funding – APS’ operating budget is over $10,000 per student. Colorado spends $7,000 per student and Arizona spends $7,300 per student (based on web research). APS can do a better job with current funding by reducing inefficiencies.

Facilities – APS facility costs are among the highest in the southwest and nation. APS is spending almost $300 per square foot building new schools. Other school districts in the southwest and across the nation typically spend under $200 per square foot.

Parent Involvement - Involvement is essential for a child's education. APS needs to remove barriers for parents. This includes providing classes for non-English speaking parents.

College Preparation - Not all children go to college, but those that do need to be properly prepared. Too many APS students take remedial classes in college. APS needs to ensure high school graduates are fully prepared for college.

Safety – We must provide for our children’s safety at school, in school activities and on school busses. This must remain the highest priority for APS.

Splitting APS – I would support this issue if it improves education for the students.

Vouchers – This is a contentious issue. I favor vouchers because I believe they are a tool in improving educational results. I believe the only groups that may lose from vouchers are entrenched administrators, some political leaders, and individuals and groups with ideological agendas.