Educational Priorities:

1. Higher Education: I want to make higher education a priority. I believe we should set a target to increase both the number of graduating high school students (81.3%) AND the number of high school graduates moving into higher education (55.6%). I will set up a committee to track and raise these numbers.

2. Oregon curriculum should be updated to focus more on essential life and job skills. AI of the future. Climate Change studies. Enhanced skills for electricians, mechanics, plumbers, wastewater engineers and other essential trade skills. I want increased funding in fields related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).

3. Strengthen school lunch guidelines ensuring that our kids are eating healthy foods. This includes school vending machines, cafeterias and school stores. The high rate of youth diabetes and obesity needs our utmost attention.

4. Afterschool Programs: I want what’s best for my kids. Expanding and enriching after-school programs is the right thing to do. It has been well-documented that after-school programs cut teen delinquency, help to keep kids away from drugs and alcohol, and are effective against depression, teen suicide and homelessness.

5. Supporting Our Teachers: A world-class education is a must. To ensure a world-class education we must make sure teachers are being supported. Both on the picket line as well as in the classroom. Teachers are helping to shape the future we live in. We owe them the respect they deserve and the support they need.

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