The city of Cleveland has witnessed a continual decline in the student population in our public schools.  There is concerned about the high dropout rate among our youth and the lack of change that has occurred at the state level to restructure the school funding system. Despite the fact that City Council and the Mayor do not have day-to-day control over what happens at our schools there is still a responsibility that they have to insure a better educational experience for our neighborhood youth.  I am committed to supporting  the schools in Ward 8 and to assist in finding private sector sponsorships of the programs and activities for our students.

In addition, leaders at City Hall must work more together with other local leaders across Ohio, and with state legislators from the area to improve the educational policy and funding initiatives coming from the state government.  It is only through local leaders organizing and supporting a common agenda on education that can make a difference. Additionally, coalitions with parent advocacy groups, teacher organizations and proven private sector institutions can create the necessary energy to bring about positive change. We must support successful schools and improve weaker schools, either public or private, and avoid the past approach of drawing battle lines between public and private education. I believe all schools in Ward 8, both public and private must be supported and challenged to improve the educational results achieved by our youth.

Our schools must be safe environments for our youth to learn.  We must respond to negative and criminal behavior in and around our schools and remove the people who are causing the problems. Only when our classrooms become rooms of learning, and free of violence and disrespect, can we have fewer dropouts and more graduates. A Council person should be actively involved in the schools in the community and assist the parents, teachers and administrators to provide the best education and protection for our youth.