I believe school choice for children stuck in poorly performing public schools is a civil rights issue.  The achievement gap between those that can afford alternate educational opportunities and those children in our public school system is ever widening.  Providing a greater choice of charter schools, vouchers, educational tax credits for private and home schools would make a significant difference for our children in New York City and especially here in Brooklyn.  I strongly oppose the Blaine Amendment, which prevents public funds from supporting sectarian private schools, and would work to repeal it.   This must all be done without forgetting the needs of the Public Schools and without placing restrictions on sectarian private schools that would compromise their values.

This past year, I participated in the fight to restore services for special needs children who are home schooled.  My choice for my children’s education was to keep them at home and teach them myself.  As a home school Mom who has availed herself of the special needs services for one of her children, it was important that that choice be preserved.  Although not everyone would feel comfortable schooling their own children at home, every family has a right to do so, if they so desire.  I will endeavor to keep the home school option legal with as free from over-regulation as possible.