CANDIDATE: ____DelegateHeatherMizeur,MarylandGeneralAssembly___ CAMPAIGNADDRESS: ___POBox11290,TakomaPark,MD20913____ xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx POINTOFCONTACT: __JeremyCrandall,PoliticalDirector,(202)3161202 xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2014GUBERNATORIALCANDIDATEQUESTIONNAIRE

PHONENUMBER(S): ___ (202)3161202 _____________________________________ xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx EMAIL: _xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Jeremy@heathermizeur.com____________________________________________ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx WEBSITE: __www.HeatherMizeur.com___

Iconfirmthattheresponsesprovidedherearemyofficialpositionsinseekingthe officeofGovernorofMarylandandIunderstandthatMSEAreservestherightto sharemyresponseswithmembersandinterestedparties.

CANDIDATESIGNATURE: __________________________________________________________

DATESUBMITTED: ____8/23/13_____________________ Candidates:InordertobeconsideredforarecommendationduringtheMSEARepresentativeAssembly October1819,2013inOceanCity,youmust: 1. Indicateyourresponsetoeachquestion.Clarifications,explanations,andotherinformationmay beattached,butpleasebecertaintoindicateclearlythequestions(s)towhichyourefer.Return yourcompletedandsignedquestionnairetoMSEAnolaterthanAugust23,2013. 2. ParticipateinaoneononeinterviewwithMSEAPresidentBettyWeller.Theinterviewmustbe tapednolaterthanSeptember13,2013.Yourinterviewandcompletedquestionnairewillbe sharedwithalldelegatestotheMSEARepresentativeAssembly. Ifyouaretherecommendedcandidate,weaskthatyouagreetoparticipateinourEducateforaDay Project,adayinthelifeofanMSEAmember,duringAmericanEducationWeekinNovember2013. 1

EDUCATIONFUNDING ThorntonFundingStateAidforEducation BackgroundPoints In2002,lawmakerspassedtheBridgetoExcellenceinPublicSchoolsAct(alsoknownastheThorntonPlan) basedontherecommendationsoftheThorntonCommission.Whilethisincreasedinvestmenthashelped Marylandspublicschoolsandstudentsachieveoutstandingresultsanddevelopareputationasanational leader,manyunmetneedsremain.MSEAsupportsincreasingtheperpupilexpenditure,offsettingthe impactofcontinuinginflationandgrowth,fullfundingofprogramsmandatedbytheGeneralAssembly and/ortheStateBoardofEducation,additionalstatefundingtoreduceclasssize,fundingtoprovidestateof thearttechnologiesthatpromotestudentachievement,increasedfundingfortheeducationofstudents receivingspecialeducationservices,andlegislationtosupporthighqualityprogramsforallstudentsatrisk. Duringchallengingeconomictimes,theGeneralAssemblymadechangestotheThorntonFundingformulaby slowingthegrowthoffundingaccordingtoinflation.Thisresultedin$718millionlessinstatefundingthan originallyprojectedfor2014. Thecostofeducatingstudentscontinuestoincrease.Overthelast10years,Marylandhasseenanincrease inourTitle1studentpopulationof129percentandlimitedEnglishproficiencystudentsof88percent.With yeartoyearincreasesinspecialeducationneeds,itisclearthatthechangingstudentpopulationisa significantdriverofcosts. Butthereturnoninvestmentisincredible.In2001,49percentofstudentswerereadyforschoolwhen enteringkindergarten.In2011,thatnumberwas83percent.Inadditiontobeingthenumberonepublic schoolsysteminthecountryforfivestraightyears,Marylandisalso#1instudentachievementgrowth th (19922011);4 gradereadingandmathimprovement(proficientlevel);andAPperformance(20082012). AndMarylandsgraduationrateisat87percentthehighestever. Thereiscontinuedroomforimprovementinclosingeducationgaps,expandingprogramsandservices,and improvingstudentachievement. ThenextgovernorwillhaveasignificantimpactinthefuturefundingandsuccessofMarylandschools.The ThorntonPlanrequiredtheStatetostudytheadequacyofeducationfundingbyJune30,2012.The2011 sessionoftheMDGeneralAssembly,however,actedtodelaythisstudyuntil2016. MSEAsupportslegislationtobeintroducedin2015tocreateaThorntonlikeCommissiontostudy educationfunding,recruitmentandretentionofeducators,appropriatefacilities,andstudentachievementin MarylandtodeterminethemanyfactorsandmandatesimpactingeducationsincethepassageofThorntonin 2002.ThisCommissionshouldreportonaparalleltimelineofthe2016adequacystudy.

1. DoyousupportoropposelegislationtocreateaThorntonlikeCommission? __X__ Support _____ Oppose Ifyousupport,willyouincludethislegislationasanadministrationbillin2015? Yes,IwillincludelegislationcreatingaThorntonlikeCommissioninthe2015RegularSessionas anadministrationbill. 2

 2. Pleaseprovideyourgeneralandspecificthoughtsonhoweducationfundingchallengescanbe addressedduringyourfirsttermasgovernor?Howwouldyouprioritizestateaidforeducation inyourbudgetproposals? MarylandsConstitutionmandatesthatstategovernmentfullyprovideapubliceducationforevery childinthisstate.Istronglybelieveinthatmandate,andeachbudgetwrittenundermy administrationwilladheretoit,ensuringfullyfundedK12publiceducationneedsintheclassroom aswellasfullysupportingcurrentandretirededucators. AsViceChairoftheEducationandEconomicDevelopmentSubcommitteeonAppropriations,Ihave consistentlyfoughttoprotectthatmandate,byfullyfundingThorntonandtheGeographicCostof EducationIndex(GCEI)andbystandingwitheducatorsinoppositiontothepensionshift.As Governor,educationfundingwillbeoneofmyfirstbudgetpriorities. Specifically,Iwillworktoensureoureducationfundingformulasreflectourcurrentneeds.Much haschangedsincetheThorntonPlanpassedin2002:ourTitle1,Englishproficiencyandspecial needspopulationshavegrownsignificantly,andtechnologicalimprovementsofferinnovativeways foreducatorstoconnectwithstudents.ItistimetodiscussaThornton2.0toensureour educationformulasreflecttodaysgreatestneedstoguaranteeeducationalexcellenceforevery childinMaryland. 3. Thereisconsiderableroomforimprovementinaddressingeducatorsalaries(flatforthelast fouryears)andreducingclasssizes(layoffs/retirementshaveadirectimpactonaslowand steadyincreaseinthenumberofstudentsperclassroom).Howwillyouusetheofficeofthe Governorandyourbudgetprioritiestoaddressbothsalaryandclasssizeissues? Everydatapointshowsthateducationaloutcomesaredirectlyrelatedtosmallerclasssizes,and whenweraisesalaries,wepositionourselvestocompeteforthebesteducators.MyThornton2.0 policyapproachwillincludediscussionsabouthowweincreaseeducatorsalaries.Iwillalsowork toeasetheburdenofcollegetuitionandloansonMarylanderswhoremaininstateandteachinour classroomsbymakingourstateLARPgrantsnontaxableincome. Reducingclasssizeisacornerstonetoimprovingtheclassroomexperienceforbothstudentand teacher.Planstodosomustbelinkedhandinhandwithrecruitingneweducators.Wecanlearn fromthemistakesmadeinotherstateslikeCalifornia,whereeffortstoreduceclasssizeswerenot pairedwithnewtoolsorrecruitmentefforts,leavingnewclassroomswithoutqualifiededucators. Finally,weneedanactiveapproachtoteacherrecruitment.Weshouldmodelotherstates, includingCaliforniaandGeorgia,whohavegivencollegescholarshipstohighperforming graduatinghighschoolseniorswhoenrollinfouryeareducationprogramsinMaryland.Wealso needtoworkwithourstatecollegesanduniversitiestomakesurethateverycollegefreshmanina noneducationacademicmajorisgiveninformationonteachingasapossibleprofession.Together withincreasedsalaries,theguaranteeofretirementsecurity,and21stcenturyschools,theseactive recruitmentstrategieswillhelpusrecruitmorequalifiedteachersandgiveustheabilitytoreduce classsizesresponsibly. 3

 GeographicCostofEducationIndex BackgroundPoints Thisgrantprogramprovidesadditionalstatefundstolocalschoolsystemswherecostsforeducational resourcesarehigherthanthestateaverage.GCEIwasanoriginalcomponentofthe2002ThorntonPlan; however,itwassubsequentlydeterminedtobediscretionaryandfundingwasdelayed.Fullfundingforthe geographiccostofeducationindex(GCEI)formulawasprovidedinfiscalyear2009forthefirsttime. Statefundingforfiscalyear2014tothethirteeneligiblecountiesis$130.8million. BackgroundPoints MSEAsupportsequaleducationopportunitiesforallMarylanders,regardlessofthe In2009theGCEIindexwasupdatedasrequiredbystatute;however,todatetheGeneralAssemblyhasnot geographiclocationoftheirresidence,andchangingtheprovisionsoftheGeographic adoptedthenewindexintostatute.The2009GCEIindexwoulddeterminefourteencountieseligibleand CostofEducationIndexfromdiscretionarytomandatory. wouldincreasestatefundingbyanadditional$109millionperyear. 4. DoyousupportoropposemandatingtheGeographicCostofEducationIndex(GCEI)asapartof thestateaidforeducationformula? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments: TheGeographicCostofEducationIndexshouldabsolutelybeanintegralpartofthestate educationalfundingformula.Thisisamatteroffairness.Thecostofeducationvariesfromone jurisdictiontoanother,andourformulasshouldreflecttheincreasedcostsinthoseareas.Istrongly supportedGCEIthroughoutmytenureintheGeneralAssembly,andfoughtforitsfullfundingas ViceChairoftheEducationandEconomicDevelopmentSubcommittee. 5. DoyousupportoropposethestateadoptinganupdatedGCEIindex(currentunfundedindexis from2009)thatwouldincreaseaidthroughthisformulafrom$130millionto$239millionin FY15? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments: Effectiveleadershipmeanslookingfarintothefuturetoprepareourstateforthechallengesahead. Fortoolong,Marylandstategovernmenthastakenashortsightedapproachtosolvingourgreatest challenges.AsyourGovernor,Iwillbringacommitmenttolongtermplanningforpublicpolicyin ordertoavoidwaittothelastminutebattlesoverourgreatestpriorities.Whenwepreparefor thefuture,wepositionourselvestoadoptthebestsolutionstoourchallenges.

 MaintenanceofEffort BackgroundPoints MSEAsupportsadequatepublicfundingforpublicschools,significantimprovementinthestatefundingof publiceducationthroughthestatefoundationformulaincludingrequiringthemaintenanceofeffortbythe localsubdivisions,legislationtorequirelocalsubdivisionstoincreaseand/ormaintainlocaleducation spendingwhengivenstatefunds,andrequiringlocalsubdivisionstoaccountforthismoneyinareporttothe state. PriortopassageoftheThorntonPlanin2002,educationfundingwas7.4%Federal,39.8%state,and51.8% local.For2013educationfundingwas4.9%federal,48.7%state,and46.5%local.Educationfundingisa sharedresponsibility.Increasesinstateaidshouldnotbesupplantedbydecreasesinlocalaid. Significantstatutorychangeswerepassedin2012tothestatesmaintenanceofeffort(MOE)law,which requireseverysubdivisiontomaintainfundingfortheirlocalschoolboardsfromonefiscalyeartothenext. Countieswillbeheldaccountableformeetingminimumschoolfundinglevels,whilealsoenablingsome countiestorealizeadditionalflexibilitybyapplyingtotheStateBoardofEducationforabroaderoneyear MOEwaiverortwonewtypesofMOEwaiversnowavailableunderthenewlaw. 6. DoyousupportoropposeMarylandsmaintenanceofeffortlawthatrequireslocaljurisdictions tofundatleastthesameperpupilallocationinlocalaidforeducationastheprioryearunlessa waiverisgranted? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments:

 SchoolConstruction BackgroundPoints MSEAsupportsfundingforschoolconstructionandrenovationnecessarytoensureahighqualityteaching andlearningenvironment,includingconstructiontoreduceclasssize,appropriateheating,ventilation,and airconditioningsystems.MSEAsupportslegislationestablishingandfundingairqualityandclimatization assuranceprogramswithintheschoolconstructionandrenovationprograms,andlegislationrequiringthe constructionandmaintenanceofsecurefacilitiestoprotectthehealthandsafetyofeducationemployeesin theperformanceoftheirduties. UndertheOMalleyadministrationover$2.876billionofstatefundinghasbeenprovidedforschool constructionincluding$360millionforfiscalyear2014. In2004,thePublicSchoolFacilitiesActwaspassedwhichincludedtherecommendationoftheKopp Commissionestablishingtheintentofthestatetocontribute$2billionforschoolconstructionoverthenext eightyears,averaginganexpenditureof$250millionperyear.EveryyeartheOMalley/Brown administrationexceededthe$250millionrecommendationandtheKoppPlanwasmetaheadofschedule. In2005thestatewideaverageageofschoolbuildingwas24yearsoldwithelevenschoolsystemsaveraging olderthanthestateaverage;in2012thestatewideaverageageofbuildingwas27yearsoldwithseven schoolsystemsaveragingolderthanthestateaverage.In2002therewere2,619portableclassrooms;in 2010thereare3,124portableclassrooms,resultingin9.5%ofallstudentsstatewidebeingtaughtatleast partoftheirschooldayinaportableclassroom.Annually,eachlocaleducationagency(LEA)submitsa capitalimprovementprogramdetailingitspublicschoolconstructionprojectneedsforthebudgetyearand thenextfiveyearstotheBoardofPublicWorks(BPW)InteragencyCommitteeonSchoolConstruction (IAC).Theexistingcapitalimprovementplanssubmittedbyeachlocalschoolsystem,indicatesaneedofstate fundingforschoolconstructionofover$3billionforthenextfiveyears. 7. Doyousupportoropposeincreasingtheschoolconstructionfloorinthecapitalbudgetfrom $250millionto$500million? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments: InadditiontoraisingtheflooronourPublicSchoolConstructionProgram,Marylandshould considernewandinnovativeapproachestoschoolconstructionfunding.Ourbackloginschool constructionneedsstatewidehasreachedastaggering$15billion.Wecannotaffordthatpricetag throughourcurrentapproachalone. Forthelastthreeyears,Ihaveadvancedseveralpolicyoptionsthatenablethestatetotacklethis problem.Throughinnovativepublicprivatepartnerships,wecouldleverageprivateresourcesfor schoolconstruction.Ifweencouragetheprivatesectorandlaborunionstoinvestinourschool rebuildingneeds,wecanexpandaccesstocapitalandcreatejobsforMarylandworkers.Early involvementfromlaborunionsandrequiringProjectLaborAgreements(PLA)willhelpensure 6

local,unionworkersarerebuildingourclassrooms.Severalstateshavealsoseensuccesswitha localsalestaxoptionapprovedbyvotersinindividualcountiestofundschoolimprovementand construction.Whetherthroughtheseapproachesorotheroptions,wehavethecapacitytorapidly andsignificantlytransformourschools.Intheprocess,weimproveeducationaloutcomes,create newneighborhoodanchorsinourimprovedlearningcentersandschools,andliftupour communities. Itisimportanttonotethatnoneofthesepolicyoptionswillleadtoareductionintotalannual fundingforpublicschoolconstruction.Anynewapproachwillbedesignedtoincreaseourabilityto expandcapitalprojects,andwillincludestronglanguagepreservingourcurrentfundinglevels. Formoreinformationaboutmyvisionforschoolconstruction,seemy2011BaltimoreSunoped: http://bit.ly/wCxwR2

 FundingforNonpublicSchools BackgroundPoints MSEAbelievesanyeducationdollarsspentoutsideofimprovingpublicschoolsmakesithardertomakethe progressnecessarytoprovideaworldclasseducationforeverystudent. TheFY14statebudgetincludednewandrecordlevelsoffundingfornonpublicschools.Thenonpublicschool textbook/technologyprogramreceived$6millionandabrandnewschoolconstructionfundfornonpublic schoolswascreatedwith$3.5millioninpublicfundsinthecapitalbudget. VoucherandneovoucherschemeslikeBOASTandotherfundingforprogramsinthebudgetfornonpublic schoolssuchastextbooks,technology,andschoolconstructionreducethestatesGeneralFundrevenue whilesubsidizingthecostofprivateeducationforafewstudents. TheBOASTbillhasbeenbeforetheGeneralAssemblyinvariousformssince2006.Thelegislationwould createanewtaxcreditprogramandallowcorporationstoallocateaportionoftheirowedstatetaxesto organizationsthatcollectandbundletaxdollarsandthendivertthemintoprivateschooltaxcreditvouchers. o MSEAopposesthistaxcreditbecauseitisabackdoorapproachtoprovidingvoucherstoparentsof childreninprivateschoolsbysubsidizingtuitionatprivateschoolswithpublictaxdollars. o BOASTtaxcreditvouchersprovidenorestrictionsregardingtheuseofpublictaxdollars. o Sinceprivateschoolsareindependent,andthetaxcreditvoucherprogramcreatesinefficient, complexscholarshiporganizations,therewouldbemanybarrierstoinstitutingeventhebasic accountabilitymeasuresrequiredofotherstateprograms. TheMarylandStateDepartmentofEducationrequiresacertificateofapprovalorregistrationforprivate schools;itdoesnotaccreditorlicensethem.Privateschoolsdonothavetoreportoradministerteacher qualifications,classsizes,adherencetoCommonCoreStateStandards,implementationofnew teacher/principalevaluationsystems,studentretentionrates,graduationrates,demographics,ordiscipline orsuspensionpolicies.Withoutthesemeasures,itisimpossibletoascertainthestandardstoevaluateany voucherorneovoucherscheme. 8. Doyousupportoropposedrainingfundsfrompublicschoolsbyprovidingvouchersforprivate orreligiousschools,includingthroughtheneovouchertaxcreditprogramknownasBOAST? _____ Support __X__ Oppose AdditionalComments: 9. Howwillyouaddressstateaidforprivateandreligiousschoolsthroughthenonpublicschool textbook,technology,andschoolconstructionsprograms? _____ _____ _____ __X__ Increasefundingfornonpublicschools Maintainfundingatcurrentlevelsfornonpublicschools Decreasefundingfornonpublicschools Eliminatefundingfornonpublicschools 8

 AdditionalComments: Publicmoneyisforpublicschools.Despiteoursuccesses,wefaceimmensechallengestoprotect thejobsofeducators,reduceclasssizes,andcloseachievementgaps.Steeringpublicfundsto privateschoolswillonlyharmourabilitytohelpussolvethesechallenges. Privateschoolsdonotlinktuitionsubsidiestoneed,income,orqualityofeducationandtheyare notaccountabletothestateonstudentachievement,attendance,graduation,ordropoutrates. Sendingpublicmoneytosupportprivateschoolsisneitherfiscallyresponsiblenorsoundpublic policy. RETIREMENTSECURITY BackgroundPoints MSEAbelievesthatguaranteeingadequateincomeuponretirement,whichisbestaccomplishedthrough definedbenefitplans,servestheinterestsofpubliceducationandalleducationemployeesbyenhancing recruitmentefforts,improvingretentionrates,andcreatingahighqualitypubliceducationsystem.MSEA alsobelievesthatthestateandlocalemployersareobligatedtofundthepensionsystemsufficientlyto provideaguaranteedadequateincomeatretirement. TheTeachersRetirementandPensionSystemcurrentlyservesapproximately106,000activemembers.The TeacherSystemcurrentlypaysbenefitstoabout63,000retirees.RetireesoftheTeacherSystemreceivean averagemonthlybenefitofapproximately$2,100. Expendituresmadebyretireesofstateandlocalgovernmentprovideasteadyeconomicstimulustothestate economyandMarylandcommunities.In2009,152,357Marylandresidentsreceivedatotalof$3.2billionin pensionbenefitsfromstateandlocalpensionplans.Retireesexpendituresfromthesebenefitssupporteda totalof$4.4billionintotaleconomicoutputinthestate.Retireespendingfromstateandlocalpension benefitssupported32,000jobsinthestateandtotalincometostateresidentssupportedbypensionbenefit expenditureswas$1.5billion. In2011,thelegislaturereformedpensionbenefitsforteachersandeducationemployees,includingan increaseinthecontributionrateofallemployeesfrom5%to7%andareductionoftheCOLAcalculationon allfutureyearsofservice.Additionally,itmadeseveralchangesfornewemployeesthatcreatedabifurcated benefitstructure.Newemployeeshaveareducedbenefitwithalowermultiplier,longervestingperiod,and changesinretirementageandbenefitcalculation.Consequently,thepensionbenefitfornewemployeesis amongtheworstinthenation. In2013,MSEAsupportedtheGeneralAssemblyactionthatphasedoutthecorridorfundingmethod, establishedin2002tomitigatefluctuationsintheannualcontribution.Thelongtermphaseoutrequiresthe statetoincrementallyreachtheactuariallydeterminedannualcontributionovertenyears,andincludesa changeintheamortizationofallpensionliabilities. Asaresultofthereformactionstakenbythelegislatureoverthepastthreeyears,thestateretirementand pensionsystemsareonapathtoreachan80%fundedstatusinapproximately10years,puttingthesystem \ backonsolidfinancialground.

10. Doyousupportoropposeeffortstorestoreaunifiedbenefitstructureforallschoolemployees inthepensionsystemratherthanthebifurcatedbenefitcreatedbythe2011reformsfornew employees.? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments: Noeducatorwillevergetrichbecausetheychoosetoeducateourchildren,buttheydeserveto knowtheirlivelihoodwillbeprotected.Promisesmademustbepromiseskept.ThatiswhyI supportedthe2011pensionreformstheywerethebestoptionputonthetablebyGovernor OMalleyandthelegislativeleadershiptoensurethelongtermsolvencyofthepensionsystem.Iam openandwillingtoexplorereturningtoaunifiedstructureandendingbifurcationaslongaswe preservelongtermstabilityanddonotthreatenthepromisedretirementsecurityofourcurrent andfutureeducators. 11. Doyousupportoropposeanyactiontodiminishorthreatenpensionbenefitssuchasfurther reductionsintheretirementmultiplier,furtherincreasesinemployeecontributions,or convertingtoadefinedcontributionorhybridtypepensionplanforeducationemployees? _____ Support __X__ Oppose Ifyousupportfurtherbenefitchanges,whattypesofreformsdoyoupropose? Iopposeanyactiontodiminishorthreatenpensionbenefitsforoureducators,andIpointtomy voteontheteacherpensionshiftin2012asproofofmyrecord. Ourconstitutionalmandatetosupportpubliceducationstartswithsupportingoureducators. Shiftingteacherpensioncoststothecountygovernmentswasaviolationofthatmandateinmy opinion,andthatiswhyIvotedagainstitintheAppropriationsCommitteeandontheHousefloor. Shiftingthesecoststocountieswithlessabilitytofundthemwillinevitablyleadtooneofseveral outcomes:positioncuts,increasedclasssizes,orcutstoothercorecountyservices.Anyofthese wouldhavedirectimpactsonourcommunities. Itisnotenoughaslegislatorstosaythatwesupportoureducators.Thetruetestishowonevotes onpolicythatdirectlyimpactsthelivelihoodoffellowMarylanders.Iwasproudtostandwithyou thenandwillcontinuetodosoasyourGovernor.

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 MARYLANDWORKINGFAMILIES CollectiveBargaining BackgroundPoints MSEAsupportseffortstoprotectandenhancethestatescollectivebargaininglaws. Collectivebargainingisthenegotiationofacontractincludingwages,salaryscale,benefits,andworking conditionsbetweenemployersandemployees.Theitemsagreedtoinaratifiedcollectivebargaining agreementapplytoallemployeesinabargainingunit,providingabenefittoemployeesandemployersinnot havingtonegotiatethousandsofindividualcontracts. MSEAopposesrighttoworklaws.Suchlawsrestrictfreedomofassociationandweakenorganizedlaborin Maryland.Thestrengthoforganizedlaboriscriticaltoprotectingworkers,ensuringquality,andmaintaining fairness,safety,andcompetitivewagesintheworkplace. 12. Doyousupportoropposepubliceducationemployeesrightstobargaincollectively? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments: Igrewupinasmallruraltown,wheremyfatherspenthiscareerasaUAWwelder.WhenIwas9 yearsold,myfatherandhisunionwentonstriketofightforfairwages.Forsixmonths,myfamily livedon$45aweekinstrikepay. Mydadandhiscoworkerswereneverwillingtosettleforlessthanafairwage,lessthandecent benefitsfortheirfamilies,orlessthantheydeservedfortheirhardwork.Ioftenjoinedthemonthe picketlineandwatchedthemstandupforthemselvesandeachother. IcarriedtheseearlylessonswithmetotheGeneralAssemblyandIwillcarrythemwithmetothe Governorsoffice.EverytimeacollectivebargainingissuehascomebeforetheHouse AppropriationsCommitteeinAnnapolis,Ihavestoodshouldertoshoulderwithlabor.Ihavestood withlawenforcement,healthcareworkers,campusemployees,educators,andcorrectional officers. Iunderstandatacorelevelthebargainthatworkersinorganizedlaborsignupfor:yougiveyour jobyourallknowingyouwillnevergetrich,andinreturnyoudeservetoknowyourlivelihoodwill beprotected.

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 PublicSchoolLaborRelationsBoard BackgroundPoints ThePublicSchoolLaborRelationsBoard(PSLRB)wascreatedbytheGeneralAssemblyin2010bythe FairnessinNegotiationsAct.However,theBoardwasnotappointedandconstituteduntilspring2011and hasonlybeenoperatingfortwoyears. Thelegislationincludedasunsetprovisioninthesummerof2015that,ifnotremoved,willdissolvethe PSLRB. Overthelasttwoyears,thePSLRBhasrendereddecisionsinthefollowingmatters: o ImpasseDeterminations4requests o DutyofFairRepresentationCases15cases o ScopeofBargaining1case o StatutoryViolations3cases TherehavebeennonegotiationsthathaverequiredarbitrationbythePSLRBasallofthemhavebeen resolvedinmediation. TheexistenceofthePSLRB,aswellasitsdecisions,havehadthepracticaleffectofbringingreasonableness tothebargainingtableresultinginmoreproductiveconversationsinmostinstances. MSEAopposesanyattempttoeliminateorlimitthePSLRB. 13. DoyousupportoropposeMSEAseffortstoremovethesunsetforthePublicSchoolLabor RelationsBoard? __X__ Support _____ Oppose Ifyousupport,andthe2014GeneralAssemblyfailstoactonthisissue,willyouincludethis legislationasanadministrationbillin2015? Yes,IwillincludelegislationtoremovethesunsetforthePublicSchoolLaborRelationsBoardasan administrationbillin2015.

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 TaxPolicy BackgroundPoints MSEAsupportsarevenuestructurethatwillprovideapredictable,reliable,andstablesourceofsustained fundingforeducation. MSEAsupportsanequitablemeansofmaintainingandrestoringrevenueorofraisingandobtainingafair shareofadditionalrevenuesthatdirectlyorindirectlybenefitpubliceducationatalllevels.Further,MSEA opposesanytaxingorspendinglimitationsthatdirectlyorindirectlyhaveanadverseeffectonpublic education. MSEAisapartnerinabroadcoalitionofadvocatesthatsupportabalancedapproachtowardsolvingbudget problemsbymeetingtheneedsandservicesofthepublicwithadequateresources.MSEAsupported updatingandrevisingthestateincometaxstructure,thestatesalestax,thetransportationinfrastructure package,andcontinuestosupportcorporatetaxreformtocloseloopholesandtaxavoidanceschemes. MSEAsupportsaproposalreferredtoascombinedreportingwhichrequiresthecombinedincomeofall corporateentitiesfunctioningasasinglebusinesstobecomethestartingpointfortaxcalculations;thenthe incomeisapportionedtoMarylandusingthecombinedapportionmentfactorsofallthemembersofthe group.Combinedreportingisnecessarytoensuremultistatemegasizedcorporationspaytheirfairshareof corporatetaxesinsteadofusingcreativebookkeepingtoshiftfinancesamongmultiplestatesandavoid payingtaxes.EstimatesindicatethepassageofcombinedreportingwouldincreaseStaterevenuesby$50 millionperyear. 14. Doyousupportoropposeclosingcorporatetaxloopholes,includingthepassageofCombined ReportinglegislationthatensuresmultistatecompaniescannothidetheirMarylandprofitsin thetaxreturnsfromotherstates? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments: IstronglysupportclosingtheCombinedReportingcorporatetaxloophole.Lastyear,Iintroduced andchampionedtheMainStreetEmployerTaxRebateAct,whichwouldclosethecombined reportingloopholeandusetheadditionalrevenuetofundsmallbusinesstaxcuts.Thisapproach levelstheplayingfieldforallbusinessesandputsmoneybackinthehandsofsmallbusinesses, whichareourprovenjobcreators.

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 IncreasingtheMinimumWage BackgroundPoints MSEAsupportsincreasingMarylandsminimumwageasapolicythatbothaidsworkingfamiliesand stimulatestheeconomythroughincreasedconsumerspending. Marylandsminimumwageiscurrently$7.25perhour($15,000peryearforafulltimeworker).Tipped workersearnaminimumwageof50percentofthefullminimumwage,or$3.63perhour. 19states,andtheDistrictofColumbia,haveminimumwagesthatarehigherthan$7.25. Tenstateshaveadoptedprovisionstoindextheirminimumwagesothatitkeepspacewiththerisingcost oflivingandsothatthewagedoesnotfallinrealvalueeachyear. EstimatesfromtheEconomicPolicyInstitutereflectthatanincreaseintheminimumwagewillraisepayfor 536,000workingMarylanders.Thisraisewillinjectapproximately$492millionintoMarylandseconomyand createanestimated4,280jobs. 15. DoyousupportoropposeaproposaltoraiseMarylandsminimumwagefrom$7.25to$10.00 perhour,in3stepsovertwoyears,whileraisingtheminimumwagefortippedworkersfrom 50%to70%ofthefullminimumwage,andindexingbothannuallytokeeppacewiththecostof living? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments: Todaysminimumwageisfartoolowitisnotafairwageanditisnotalivingwage.NoMaryland workercansupportafamilyon$7.25anhour.Iwasacosponsoroftheminimumwagebillthis pastsessionandstronglysupportincreasingit. Supportingtheminimumwageincreaseistheeasypart.Thehardpartishavingthevisionand strategicapproachtoseeitthrough.Wewillpassaminimumwageincreaseandpaidsickleave legislationwhenwehaveagoverningapproachthatworksforbothworkersandemployers. Increasingtheminimumwageandprovidingpaidsickleavearenotincompatiblewithathriving smallbusinesseconomy.Weneedtoshifttheconversationtohowtheminimumwageimproves oureconomy,puttingmoremoneyinthehandsofconsumers,whereitisthenrecycledbackinto businessgrowth. Iwillbeagovernorwillingtohavethatconversationwillingtofundamentallychangethewaywe dobusinessandthewaywegovern.Wheretherearechallenges,Iseeopportunities. 14

 Privatization BackgroundPoints MSEAopposesanyefforttooutsourceorprivatizeeducationjobsthatarepartofabargainingunit.MSEA maintainsthatanyattempttooutsourceorprivatizejobsofpubliceducatorsviolatescollectivebargaining agreementsbecausesuchaneffortisinessenceterminatingorfiringbargainingunitpositions. Outsourcingandprivatizationeffortshavethreatenedteacherandeducationsupportprofessional(ESP)jobs foryears.QueenAnnesCountyoutsourcedfoodservicejobsbeforecollectivebargainingwasextendedto ESPsontheEasternShorein2002. PrinceGeorgesCountycontractedoutdrivereducationteachersbackin1985.Thefightscontinuetoday,in placeslikeFrederickCounty(privatizingcustodial/maintenanceservices)andKentCounty(privatizing custodial/maintenanceservicesandteachersandassistants).Beyondthosespecificinstances,effortsto privatizespecialeducationservicesareonarisethroughoutthestate. Thispracticeofoutsourcingpubliceducationjobsisillegal.Acountyboardofeducationisstatutorily obligatedtocarryoutandmaintainauniformsystemofpublicschoolsdesignedtoprovidequality educationandequaleducationalopportunityforallchildren.(Section4107oftheEducationArticle).In carryingoutthisobligation,acountyboardshallappointandsetthesalariesofallprincipals,teachers,and othercertificatedandnoncertificatedpersonnel.(Section4103oftheEducationArticle).Moreover,the GeneralAssemblyhasmadeitclearthatacountyboardofeducation,andnootherentity,istheemployer forpurposesofcollectivebargaining.(Section6401oftheEducationArticle).Insum,theGeneralAssembly didnotgiveacountyboardofeducationthepowertoabdicateitsauthoritytocarryoutandperform educationalfunctionstoaprivateentity. Whenjobsareoutsourced,qualitycontrolisdiminishedandsafetyiscompromised.Publicemployeesare subjecttobackgroundchecksthatprivateemployersoftenskip.Afterprivatizing,localschoolboardslose controlovertheindividualsworkinginschoolsandhavelittleabilitytoprovideinputonjobperformance. Privateersoftenusecostsavingsasameansofwinningcontracts.Theamountisoftenmisleadingbecause theylowballthefirstyearoperatingcosts.Ultimately,theyreducedhours,healthcarecoverageorjustcut jobs.Allofwhichleadstoincreasedlocalunemploymentandlessoverallmoneyinthecommunity. 16. Doyousupportoropposecontractingouttotheprivatesectoranyservicescurrentlyor traditionallyprovidedbypublicschoolemployees? _____ Support __X__ Oppose AdditionalComments: 15

 CHARTERSCHOOLS BackgroundPoints MSEAsupportsMarylandscurrentcharterschoollaw.Itprotectshighstandards,collectivebargainingrights ofemployees,andthelocalautonomyandneedsofaschoolsystem.Thelawalsoprovidesflexibilityfor charterprovidersandemployeestoreachagreementsoutsideofacollectivebargainingagreementthat allowstheschooltomeettheneedsofitsmissionandstudents.Thiscombinationofprotectionsand flexibilitymakesMarylandscharterschoollawthebestinthenation. Marylandslawprovidesanopportunityforfocusedlearningusinginnovativecurriculaandinstructional methodswiththegoalofenhancingstudentachievement.Charterschoolsareimportantoptionswiththe potentialtobenefitthebroadersystembyallowingittoexploreinnovativeteachingandlearningmethods onascalable,pilotbasis.Marylandslawstrikestherightbalancebetweenlocalcontrol,accountability,and innovativeinstruction. Marylandcurrentlyhas55charterschoolsin6countiesandBaltimoreCity,withthevastmajority(39) locatedinBaltimoreCityservingalmost20,000students.Becauseofthestrongoversightandassistance providedtocharterschoolsandthevigilanceinthereviewoftheeachproposedcharterschool,thesuccess rateofthoseapprovedhereismuchhigherthananyotherstate. Studieshaveconsistentlyshownthatalthoughsomecharterschoolsmaydowell,onaverage,mostperform aboutthesameasorworsethantraditionalpublicschools. Inrecentlegislativesessionscharteradvocateshavechampionedlegislationthatwouldunderminelocal controlofschools,lowerstandardsandaccountability,andcircumventcertificationrequirementsand collectivebargainingrights.Ourtoprankedschoolsdependonkeepingourstandardshighandourcharter schoollawstrong.MSEAbelievesitisnecessarytocontinuetorejecteffortstooverhaulalawthatworksand meetstheneedsofstudents,parents,schoolemployees,schooldistricts,andourstate. 17. MSEAsupportscharterschoolsthatareunderthecontroloflocalschoolboards,requiremaking enrollmentopentoallstudents,areheldtotheidenticalhighstandardsastraditionalschools, andprotectcollectivebargainingrightsofemployeeshiredattheschool.Doyousupportor opposeMSEAspolicystatementwithregardstocharterschools? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments:

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 DIGITALLEARNING BackgroundPoints MSEAbelievesdigitaltechnologiescreatenewopportunitiesforaccelerating,expanding,andindividualizing learning.TeachingandlearningcannowoccurbeyondtraditionalphysicallimitationsandMSEAembraces st thisnewenvironmentandthetoolstobetterprepareourstudentsforcollegeand21 centurycareers. Digitallearninginitiativesshouldbeviewedasopportunitiestoenhanceandbroadeninstructionratherthan simplyacostcuttingmeasurethateliminatesprofessionaleducationpositionsordiminishesteacherto studentinteraction. Digitallearningprogramsmustbealignedwiththestandards,curriculum,evaluations,andassessments. Educationalprogramsandstrategiesdesignedtoclosetheachievementanddigitalgapsmustaddressequity issuesrelatedtobroadbandInternetaccess,softwareandtechnicalsupport,andmaintenance.Simply movingtoalargescaleuseoftechnologyinprek12willbemorelikelytowidenachievementgapsamong studentsthanclosethem. Alleducatorsshouldhaveaccesstorelevant,highquality,andinteractiveprofessionaldevelopmentinthe integrationofdigitallearningandtheuseoftechnologyintotheirinstructionandpractice. Educatorsandtheirlocalassociationsneedsupportandassistanceinvettingthequalityofdigitalcourse materialsandindevelopingoraccessingtrusteddigitalvenuestosharebestpracticesandprovidesupport. Anenvironmentthatmaximizesstudentlearningwilluseablendedmodelofeducatorinteractionandonline learning.Everyclasswillneedadifferentblend,andprofessionaleducatorsareinthebestpositionandmust bedirectlyinvolvedindeterminingwhatblendworksbestinparticularclassesandwithparticularstudents. Assessmentandaccountabilitysystemsneedtobecarefullydevelopedtoensureacademicintegrityand accuratelymeasuretheimpactofdigitallearningonstudents.Thisincludesdevelopingstrategiestoensure studentsarecompletingtheirownonlineassignmentsandtakingtheappropriateassessments. 18. MSEAbelievesinthecollaborativedevelopmentofdigitallearningplansthatareliving documents,changingascircumstancesrequire.Theseplansshouldviewtechnologyasatoolto enhanceandenrichstudentlearningratherthanareformthatusurpseducatorsandthe teachingprofession.Expansionofdigitallearningrequiresequityforeverystudent;supportand enhancedprofessionaldevelopmentforalleducators;andablendedapproachoftechnology andtraditionalformsofdeliveringeducationforallstudents.DoyousupportoropposeMSEAs policystatementwithregardstodigitallearning? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments: Icouldnotsayitanybetter.Thisisexactlyhowweshouldapproachtheopportunitiesand challengesassociatedwithintroducingmoretechnologyintotheclassroom. 17

 TEACHERANDPRINCIPALEVALUATIONS BackgroundPoints MSEAbelievesthateducatorevaluationsystemsmustbeeducatorinformed,researchbased,and collaborativelydeveloped.Evaluationsystemsshouldbefair,transparent,timely,rigorous,valid,and designedtoimproveinstructionbyfocusingonteachingandlearning. InMayof2010,theGeneralAssemblypassedtheEducationReformAct.Inadditiontoprovidingearly mentoringforteacherswhomaybeatriskforfailingtoachievetenure,thelawmandatedthatstudent growthwouldbeasignificantcomponentandoneofmultiplemeasuresinateachersevaluation. Accordingtothelaw,noevaluationcriterioncouldaccountformorethan35%.Thelawalsomandatedthat evaluationsystemsmustbemutuallyagreeduponatthelocallevel. EachcountyhasworkedhardtoensurethattheirevaluationsystemsreflectprovisionsoftheEducation ReformAct.Whilerevisingtheevaluationsystems,educatorsareimplementingthenewCommonCoreState Standards,whilethestateisstillwaitingfornewstatewideassessments(PARCC)tobeapproved.Inthe meantime,studentsandeducatorswillbeevaluatedbasedonMSAassessmentsthatdonotalignwiththe newcurriculum.PARCCassessmentsarenotplannedtobeimplementeduntilthe201415schoolyear. MSEAhasseriousconcernswiththepoorlyplannedtiming,implementation,andmisalignmentbetweenthe evaluationsystem,CommonCore,andPARCCassessments.Aslongaswhatourstudentslearnisdifferent fromwhattheyaretestedon,teachersandprincipalsareconcernedthatthismisalignmentcanprovetobe decisiveinevaluationsandsomepeoplecouldlosetheirjobsunfairly,basedonuselessdata.Thissituation willalsolikelyleadtoconfusionandfrustrationfromstudentsandparents. Akeyprovisionofthenewevaluationswastherequirementforlocalagreementbetweenschoolboards, superintendents,andlocalassociations.Suchlocaldevelopmentallowsfortheevaluationsystemtomeet theuniqueneedsofeachdistrict.Butinthelast18months,theU.S.DepartmentofEducationandMaryland StateDepartmentofEducationhaveinsistedontheuniformuseofamorerigidstatemodel. MSEAbelievesthecontinuedpushforhighstakesstudentassessmentsundermineseducatorscreativityand theirabilitytorespondtotheneedsofstudents.Insteadofhighstakesassessments,MSEAsupportshigh qualityassessmentsthatsupportstudentlearningfromarichcurriculumandwithroomforeducatorsvoices inthedevelopmentofcurriculumandassessment. Additionally,MSEAsupportsrigorousandrelevantprofessionaldevelopmentthroughthecontinued alignmentofevaluationsystems,CommonCore,andPARCCassessments.Today,mostteachersreportthat thenecessaryhighqualityprofessionaldevelopmenthasnotbeenprovided,yetthe20132014schoolyearis whenimplementationbegins.

19. Doyousupportoropposelocalautonomytodevelopevaluationsystemsincompliancewith statuteandregulation? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments: 18

Educationevaluationsarebesthandledlocally.IsupportatestingmoratoriumwhiletheCommon CoreStandardsandaccompanyingPARCCtestsareimplemented,andbelievethat,inconjunction withthecountyschoolboard,localsuperintendentsshouldhavetheauthoritytoputsucha moratoriuminplace.Whilemyadministrationwillseektoensureallourschoolsystemshave policyapproachesthatprepareeverystudentforasuccessfulfuture,Ibelievelocalautonomyis crucialinmakingthebestdecisionsforourchildren. 20. Doyousupportoropposeeffortstooverturnschooldistrictsmutuallyagreedupon,statutorily compliantevaluationmodelsinpursuitofonesizefitsallmodelsdevelopedbyfederaland stateagenciesratherthanlocaleducationagencies? _____ Support __X__ Oppose AdditionalComments: 21. Doyousupportoropposeeffortstoprovideeducatorswithsufficientprofessionaldevelopment toensurethattheycandeliverhighqualityinstructionalignedwiththenewCommonCore StateStandards,andensurethatanystudentassessmentsthatinfluenceaneducator's evaluationarewellalignedwiththecurriculum? __X__ Support _____ Oppose AdditionalComments: Istronglysupportensuringthateducatorshavetheprofessionaldevelopmentnecessarytoprovide excellentinstruction. EducatorsinMarylandneedvastlybetteraccesstoupdatedlessonplanningresources,teaching techniques,andclassroommanagementstrategies.Whileweimplementthesenewstandardsand examinations,teachersdeservetohavetheresourcesnecessarytoaligntheirinstructionwiththe curriculum. Wearenotpreparingoureducatorswellenoughforthechallengesahead,andthatiswhyIsupport amoratoriumontestinguntilthenewstandardsandPARCCassessmentarefullyimplemented. Educatorsshouldnotbeevaluatedonmaterialtheyarejustbeginningtoteach.Teacherevaluations shouldnotincludetestresultsasafactorduringtheimplementationperiod. Butmyconcernsgobeyondthemismatchbetweencurriculumandexams.IwanttoseeMaryland taketheleadinshiftingawayfromthehighstakestestingculturerequiringeducatorstoteachto thetest.Atitscore,educationisaboutfosteringandempoweringthecreativityandproblem solvingabilitiesineverychild.Ifwereducetheheavyrelianceontestingasouronlymeansof measuringsuccess,thenwecangivethepowerbacktoourteachersagain,freeingthemuptobring outtheskillsandtalentsofeverystudent. 19

 SCHOOLBOARDAUTONOMY BackgroundPoints MSEAsupportsfullschoolboardautonomy,includingtheabilitytoselectthesuperintendentandestablish curriculumanddeveloppolicyaroundstudentachievementandparentandcommunityengagement. Further,MSEAsupportstherightoftheschoolsystemtonegotiatecontractsandcarryoutcollective bargainingresponsibilitiesingoodfaith.Thelocalboardsabilitytofulfilltheseresponsibilitiesshouldbefree frominterferenceorusurpationbyagentsofcountygovernmentsandremainseparateandapartfromother competingpoliticalandbudgetarypriorities.Acompletelyautonomousschoolboardshouldbeabletomake decisionsthatarefreefrompoliticalconsiderationsandinthebestinterestsofthestudentsandeducation employees Legislationpassedin2013makesthePrinceGeorgesCountySchoolBoardtheonlyboardinthestatewith absolutelynopowerorinputintheselectionofthelocalsuperintendent.Thissignificantlyrestrictsthe authorityoftheboardandisatroublingprecedentthatthreatensthechecksandbalancesoflocalboards andcountygovernmentsacrossthestate. ThefinalversionofthePrinceGeorgesbillgivesthenewsuperintendent,selectedbythecountyexecutive, authorityoverthedaytodayoperationsoftheschoolssystem,includingoverallsystemadministration,daily fiscalaffairsincludingadministration,instructionalsalaries,textbooks,specialeducation,foodservice, transportation,capitalplanningandexpenditures,developmentandimplementationofcurriculum,among othermajorresponsibilities. Thisreorganizationcompletelyusurpstheauthorityandresponsibilitiesoftheboard,exceptinafew instances,andvestnearlyallauthorityinasuperintendentwhoservesatthepleasureoftheexecutive. 22. Doyousupportoropposeeffortsfromcountygovernments(CountyExecutivesorCounty Commissioners)tousurptheroleoflocalschoolboardsintheselectionoflocalschool superintendentsortoinfringeontheirbudgetautonomy? _____ Support __X__ Oppose

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 ADDITIONALESSAYQUESTIONS A. Pleasesharewhatyouconsidertobeyourmostsignificantachievements. IammostproudofmyworktoexpandhealthcareaccesstoarangeofvulnerableMarylanders.In myfirstyearinAnnapolis,Isponsoredasuccessfulbillallowingyoungadultstoremainonfamily healthplansuptoage25.Thenextyear,myKidsFirstActusedaninnovativepolicyapproachto findandenrollthousandsofeligiblebutuninsuredchildreninMarylandsinceitspassage,we havecoveredanadditional50,000children.In2011,IworkedwithaRepublicancolleaguetopass thebipartisanFamilyPlanningWorksAct,whichextendsfreefamilyplanningto35,000low incomewomen,improvespublichealthoutcomes,andsavesstateMedicaidresources.Other successfulbillsincludeextendinghealthcoveragetoformerfosterchildren;improvingcoveragefor amputees;andeasingaccesstopreventivecare.Eachoftheseinitiativeshavehelpedusmake tremendousprogresstowardsensuringeveryMarylanderhasaccesstoaffordablehealthcare services.Theyareexamplesofthecommitted,policydrivengoverningstylethatIbringtomy work. B. Pleaseoutlineyourtopthreepubliceducationprioritiesandhowyouwouldmeasureand achievesuccessoneach. Closingtheachievementgap IamproudofMarylandsfirstinthenationpubliceducationranking.Thatwasearnedthrough hardworkfromoureducatorsandarenewedcommitmenttopubliceducationbyourstate government.However,thatrankingdoesnotapplytoeverychildineveryclassroominevery community.Largeachievementgapsexistamongvaryingracialandsocioeconomicbackgrounds andbridgingthisgapwillbeamongmyfirstprioritiesasgovernor.Iwilltacklethisproblemfrom multipleangles:throughasignificantinvestmentinearlychildhoodeducationandafterschool programs;alargescale,innovativeapproachtorebuildingcrumblingclassroomsandschool facilities;andensuringthateducatorsteachinginourtoughestschoolshavethetoolstheyneedto succeed. Preparingstudentsfortheirfuture Marylandseconomiccompetitivenessdependsonhoweffectivelyweeducateourchildren.Iwanta fargreatercommitmenttoensuringourgraduatinghighschoolseniorsarepreparedforwhat comesnext,whetherthatbetheworkforce,college,orjobtraining.Atsomeofourhighereducation institutions,morethanhalfofincomingfreshmenrequireremedialcoursework,makingitmore likelytheywillfailtograduateontimeorwiththenecessaryskillsforsustainablecareers.Ensuring thatallMarylandstudentsarepreparedforcollegewillbeoneofmytopgoals. Whileeverystudentoughttobegiventheoptiontoattendcollege,noteverystudentneedsto choosesuchapath.By2020,Marylandwillhaveover750,000jobstofillthatdonotrequirea collegedegree,andweneedtomakesureourhighschoolsteachthespecificskillsneededforthose jobs. 21

Empoweringeducatorstoteach Stategovernmentstrulyarethelaboratoriesofpublicpolicy.Ourabilitytoadvanceandadopt innovativepolicyapproaches,awayfromthegridlockplaguingourfederalgovernment,givesus immensefreedomtochangetheconversationonarangeofissues.Iwanttousethatfreedomtoput thepowerbackinthehandsofoureducators.Theslowandsteadymarchtowardsmoretesting, morestandards,andmoreevaluationissappingthecreativityandimaginationthatmakes educationsorewardingtobotheducatorsandstudents.IwantMarylandtotaketheleadin bringingthatsenseofcreativityandimaginationbacktopubliceducation.Whetheritisthrougha longermoratoriumontesting;reopeningtheconversationaboutevaluations;orevenconsidering forgoingfederalresourcesinreturnforgreaterfreedom,Iwanttoexploreoptionsthatwillputthe powerbackinthehandsofourteachersandeducators.Educatorsaretheoneswhofirstand foremostmakeourpubliceducationsystemsuccessful,notthepolicymakers.Tomeasuresuccess,I willseekinputandguidancefromeducatorsandadministrators,inconsultationwithMSEA,who willreportdirectlytotheGovernorsofficeonourprogress. C. Thegovernorhastremendousinputineducationandlaborissuesbyvirtueofappointments madetothecabinet,andvariousboardsandcommissions.HowwillyouworkwithMSEAin makingappointmentsthatimpacttheseissueareas? Inmyadministration,educatorswillnotjusthaveaseatatthetabletheywillhaveanequalvoice inhowourpubliceducationsystemcanbesuccessful,andtheirvoicewillbebackedbytheir governor. Ourschoolsaretheheartsofourcommunities.Theyprovideopportunitiesforcommunity partnershipstostrengthenhealthservices,publicsafety,andothereffortstoreducepovertyand increasequalityoflife.Becauseoureducatorsleadmanyofthesecommunitybasedpartnerships, theyalsodeserveavoiceinappointmentdecisionsregardingnoneducationboardsand commissions.IintendtopartnercloselywithMSEAonallissuesaffectingourstudents,familiesand communities. D. PleaseexplainhowyouwouldworkwithMSEAwhenfacedwitheducationissuesnot immediatelyapartofyourplatformand/orpriorityagenda(i.e.discipline,suspension,school safety,specialeducation,teachercertification)? Marylandisanamazingstate,withincrediblytalentedthinkersanddoers.Oneachissuewe address,myadministrationwillcallupontheexperts,theimplementers,andthepeopleonthe groundthatknowwhatdoesanddoesnotwork.IfullyexpectMSEAtoplayanactivepartnering roleonanyissuetheyconsiderapriority. E. Pleaseexplainhow,asGovernor,youwouldbuildrespectfortheeducationprofessioninorder tohelpattractandretainthehighestqualityeducatorsinprekthroughsecondaryeducation. Fromapolicyperspective,Ihaveoutlinedanumberofprioritiesdesignedtorecruitandretainthe besteducators,including:increasingeducatorsalaries;lesseningtheimpactofeducationcostson newteachers;supportingandstrengtheningasecureretirement;empoweringteacherstoteachin theclassroom;andreducingclasssizes.Wewillalsotakeadeeperlookathowwereduceteacher 22

attritionthroughinputdirectlyfromeducators,becausetheyaretheonlyoneswhoknowwhythey leaveandwhatwouldmakethemstay.Ourpoliciesshouldbeshapedbythisknowledge. Atalargerlevel,Iwanttotransformhowwevieweducatorsandteachersinthisstate.Ifyoulook aroundtheworld,thecountrieswiththebesteducationsystemsandthebestoutcomesallhaveone thingincommon:teachingisarespectedprofession.Fewpeopleinourliveswillhaveagreater impactonourfuturesthanthosewhoeducateusinourformativeyears. Forme,thatpersonwasmyjuniorandsenioryearEnglishteacher,Mrs.Bugg.Shetaughtmehow toembracethinkingoutsidetheboxandharnessitasaskill.Shetaughtmeaboutconvictionand loyalty.Shedemandedexcellencefromherstudents,butrepaiditwithrespect.Shesowell preparedmeformyfuturecareersthatIcanscarcelyimaginemylifewithoutMrs.Buggsinfluence. ButIoftenwonderwhetheraMrs.Buggcouldexistintodaysteachingworld.Shehadthefreedom andsupporttodesignacurriculumthatfittheneedsofherstudents.Wheneducatorslosethe freedomtostructuretheirteachingtofittheneedsoftheirstudents,wealllose. Untilwestoptreatingeducatorsasjustanotherinterestgroupfightingforitsneedsandtakeastep backtorecognizetheimpacttheyhaveonthefutureofourchildren,oureconomy,andour communities,wewillneverbuildthekindofrespectforpubliceducationthatwetrulyneed. Iamreadytochangetheconversationaboutpubliceducation,andcommittoyouthatthroughboth myvaluesandmypolicyactions,wecanbuildtherespectforeducatingourchildrenthatyou deserve.Iaskthatyoujoinme.

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