The Issues
The Issues: Educating Our Kids
Judy Truesdell believes that the future of our workers in the global economy depends on the quality and
equity of today's public education. It is a principle instrument in awakening the child to cultural values, in
preparing him or her for later professional training and in helping a child adjust normally to his environment.
From kindergarten to college, our public institutions represent the capacity of our society to provide adequate
income, healthcare, and security for all of us. If we are to re-energize our economy successfully, we need a
top-notch education system – one that is a mix of enhancements and "new" reform. We must ensure that no
child is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to
provide it, is a right which must be available to all on equal terms. While we have many dedicated teachers,
school officials, and support staff working to make our public schools a safe, quality learning environment,
we must meet them half-way, investing in our schools, our children, and our future.
Early Childhood Education:
Judy knows how the first five years shape a child's life. Research shows that quality early learning for all children can improve school-readiness rates and children's changes of becoming successful young adults. She believes that supporting the critical components of quality early learning offers the greatest assurance that our children are given the opportunity to succeed. Increased public investment can prevent serious negative outcomes later on including poverty and incarceration.
Higher Education:
Judy is deeply concerned that for the first time, an entire generation of Americans has had to go deeply into debt in order to get a college degree. As an LMC trustee, Judy knows this poses a serious threat not just to students and families but to our state's economy and to our future. She believes we must do all we can to maintain and increase funding for higher education, giving every child the opportunity to go to college if they so choose.
