Education
Rep. Whitfield and students from Lone Oak School in Paducah.
I believe that local school officials, not federal employees at the Department of Education, should make decisions about the educational needs of our Kentucky schools. I continue to work to restore local control to local school boards and districts and empower parents to become more involved in their children’s education. Beyond elementary and secondary education, I also remain committed to making higher education more affordable for all students.
Since coming to Congress, I have continually supported legislation to ensure that our Kentucky public school systems provide the necessary programs and support that all students need to achieve academic success. These programs play a vital role in providing children and young adults with the education they need to be successful in an increasingly competitive economy.
I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which I believe will continue improving Kentucky’s school achievement standards while also returning resources and control to local communities. I also believe that local school systems are best equipped to identify student and teacher needs and states must be given maximum flexibility to create and implement education reforms. While schools must be held accountable for performance and education, accountability should also extend to parents and taxpayers at the local level. I have met with numerous students, teachers and administrators to gain feedback about ESEA and I am continuing to participate in the dicussion about its reauthorization.
Related Links:
Click here for the homepage of the US Department of Education.
Click here for the Kentucky Department of Education.
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