At-large candidate: Shelly Pearson

By Shelly Pearson

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It is my opinion that the state should make preschool funding available to all 4-year-olds, even if that means expanding the funding. Preschool programs could alter the amount of tuition charged per month based on the family's monthly income. Or award low-income families a scholarship which would be based on certain income guidelines to help assist in paying for preschool. Every 4-year-old deserves the opportunity to learn.

Regarding the governor's upcoming blueprint for education reform, I would like to see a raise in starting wages for teachers, which would hopefully provide a better base of teachers to draw from. In addition, it is important that the school system provide a foundation for a quality education which begins in pre-K, in hopes that this will allow high school teachers the opportunity to better prepare our children for college or the workforce.

In the Marion Independent School District, I would like to see teachers involve parents in and outside the classroom. I think it is very important for the parents to be involved in and participate in their child's education, at home and in the classroom.

Education starts at home and should not end for the parents when a child begins school. I think we need to come up with some ideas on how to keep our parents involved in their child's education.

Shelly Pearson, of Marion, has a degree in psychology from the University of Iowa and has three children, a Marion graduate and two others still attending in the district. Comments:

shellyberry12@yahoo.com