This should be world-class

My youngest was born the same year that Oregon passed Measure 5, the property tax limitation that drastically reduced school funding. As my two children entered public schools, I became an active volunteer and saw the consequences that budget cuts have on our schools and on our children.

I also recognized the value of small class sizes and the variety of classes that can be offered when our schools have robust funding.

Now that my children are grown, I remain committed to fostering a strong public education system — pre-kindergarten through college.

Our public education system must provide all students, regardless of background and ability, with a well-rounded education that helps them meet their full potential and prepares them for the future. That means we must:

• Expand access to high-quality early-learning opportunities. Young children in every community, from every cultural and socioeconomic background, can participate in enriching activities that prepare them to do well when they enter school.
• Provide students with a well-rounded education. We must continue to help states and school districts invest in programs that help keep students engaged in school, foster creative thinking and problem solving, and prepare students to be thoughtful members of their communities.
• Address resource-inequities in K-12 education. That means assisting states and school districts in responding to gaps in advanced courses, technology, art and music, counseling services, challenging after-school programs, and rigorous career and technical education options.
• Make college more affordable. Encourage states to reinvest in their public systems of higher education, expand financial aid programs, improve financial counseling, and reform repayment options for existing borrowers so they can realistically repay student loans.
• Prepare the workforce of tomorrow. As I travel around NW Oregon, employers often tell me they need innovative, creative problem-solvers, and critical thinkers. We must work with community colleges and workforce training programs so the education and training they offer are aligned with our local needs.

This year, I will continue to fight for every child to have the opportunity for an accessible and meaningful early childhood education, K-12 education, and beyond.

Suzanne