Lee Metcalf: “as a former teacher, I understand the importance of a good education and the foundation it builds for our youth. Our…”

“as a former teacher, I understand the importance of a good education and the foundation it builds for our youth. Our schools, both public and private, must establish curricula designed to challenge students and to reward classroom successes. American students, parents, and teachers must maintain the highest level of quality in the field of education. Achieving this goal is possible when educational guidelines are drawn by parents and local school districts. It takes about 18,000 Federal and State employees to manage 780 Federal education programs in 39 Federal agencies, boards, and commissions at a cost of nearly $100 billion annually. It is thus not surprising that only approximately 70 cents of each dollar makes it directly to the classroom. We must do better. We must consolidate these programs and ensure that at least 95 percent of the funds are directed to the classrooms. Our students deserve the best possible education.”