Current Education Issue Stances

By Nancy Harter

Find out my stance on No Child Left Behind, School Choice, Vouchers and Class Size Reducation.

School Choice
I have supported efforts in our District to provide educational choice to families. Strong neighborhood schools and magnet programs coupled with schools of choice offering different curriculum choices strengthen our school system. Open enrollment is an another option available in our elementary schools, assuming space is available. I also support the open enrollment option in our secondary district. Most families choose to send their students to their attendance area school, but it allows flexibility to families based on the needs of their student.

Vouchers
I am opposed to all vouchers. Privatization is intended to address issues of student achievement and parental choice. Achievement in our Santa Barbara schools is increasing each year. We offer several schools of choice plus two charter schools. Vouchers would only divert funds away from a local school system that is not broken.

Class Size Reduction
I am an enthusiastic supporter of class size reduction that is offered in K through 3, as well as some high school courses. I have actively lobbied State legislators to increase class size reduction at all grade levels, particularly upper elementary.

State Funding Levels for Our Schools
In this most recent budget cycle, we were fortunate not to have to make cuts in elementary or secondary. I remain optimistic that funding for schools will improve, particularly as community members make their priorities known to our State legislators. But, our elementary music and library programs are supported this year by a large private donation, so I remain vigilant that we will have to identify other funding sources for 2005/06.

State legislators must be willing to examine the inequities of our current school funding mechanisms and be prepared to offer equitable funding for all students, no matter what their abilities.