Education

I believe that education is the single most effective strategy to address nearly every challenge facing our state. From pre-K, to elementary and secondary education, to higher education, to workforce development--Indiana needs to invest in cultivating caring, knowledgeable, and productive citizens.

All Hoosier children need access to the kind of early childhood experiences that encourage later school success. I will work hard to expand opportunities and funding for pre-K initiatives.

Public schools must be given the power and resources they need to help every child succeed academically. I will not support unfunded mandates or cuts in school funding. I will push for increased accountability, improved effectiveness, better and more empowered teachers, and greater efficiencies in public education services.

Indiana must create more seamless transitions across the spectrum of educational opportunities. I will identify and promote innovative ways to improve access, affordability, and success at all levels.

As Indiana addresses the need for creating new jobs and re-educating workers for those jobs, we must ensure that all Hoosiers can meet the demands of new economies. I will advocate for workforce development that gives all Hoosiers the chance to succeed in the jobs of the future.