I believe we need to take a fresh look at our educational system to make sure students are truly prepared for life in the 21st century. Right now, we’re trying to educate every student as if they’re headed to a four-year college, even though fewer than 75% will pursue any kind of post-secondary education. We should be preparing students for the futures they’re actually likely to have. That means putting a stronger emphasis on industrial arts and work-readiness programs for some students, while focusing on college preparation for others.

Our schools are also weighed down by too many unfunded mandates, which end up pushing costs onto property owners. We need to eliminate these mandates and give schools the flexibility they need to provide the best education possible.