From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign…
Helping Students Succeed for the Jobs of Tomorrow
(Peoria, IL) – Republican candidate for Illinois governor Kirk Dillard today called for more local control for school districts and a greater emphasis on math and science as part of his “Best in Class” Education Plan.
“As Governor, I will lead the charge to bring accountability back to our schools,” said Dillard. “I will lead the charge to put more control in the hands of local educators and parents. And I will eliminate a one-size-fits-all approach to education.”
Senator Dillard’s goal to prepare today’s students for the jobs of tomorrow’s global workforce builds on his plans to make Illinois a “Destination Economy” to attract new employers and create jobs. “We must make Illinois work again, and we must make our schools work again,” Dillard said.
“Best in Class” calls for restoring pre-school education funding slashed by Governor Quinn, reducing mandated and non-essential classroom activities to expand time to learn, creating a longer school calendar and increasing school performance. Dillard also wants to lift the cap on charter schools and virtual classrooms. “Illinois families must have more choices if their children are to get the best education possible,” he said.
Senator Dillard also envisions a second math and science academy for Illinois, preferably downstate. “We need to put more emphasis on math, science and technology,” Dillard emphasized.
When it comes to higher education, Dillard’s plan calls for a renewed commitment to community colleges, which educate nearly 60 percent of Illinoisans and provide vital jobs skills. It also supports MAP grants for low income students, STEM scholarships for students focused on science, technology, engineering and math and increased support for research and training at the University of Illinois and other state universities.
Dillard sees higher education as vital to energizing the state’s economy. “We need our colleges and universities to serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial activity to create jobs and commercialize new technology ventures,” he explained.
“Our students are competing with students not only from Indiana, but from India,” Dillard said. “We need to prepare them for the global opportunities of the future. That’s what “Best in Class” is all about.”
Senator Dillard’s father was a public school teacher for nearly 40 years; Dillard, himself, was a product of public education and his two young daughters are being educated in the public schools.