Kevin Patrick for House of Delegates

I support locally elected and administrated school boards, without federal intervention in States' Affairs.  Education of the public is the only way to ensure the continuance of liberty.  Thomas Jefferson wanted to provide for free public education in the first Constitution of the State of Virginia.  Although it was only three years for every child, it was very forward thinking at the time.  We can do better. 

'No Child Left Behind' is a terrible program which hurts schools who can cater to children with special needs, like North Elementary.  This is what Federal Control brings -- a disconnect between the needs of the community and those who set policy for that community.  This results in the loss of needed and helpful facilities.  Education is the purview of the States, not the Feds.

Education is the only way to ensure the continuation of Liberty.  Without it,  people are intellectually disarmed.  For this reason, much as Jefferson did, I support the option of public education (but not the mandate).  However, I see the need for private and religious education as well.  As such, I support vouchers for alternative education.  Home schooling is also a good option, and people should not have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to be able to educate their children as they see fit.

I am leaning away from property taxes as a means of funding our schools.  Three-quarters of our property tax in Mon County are school levies.  The argument being that the whole community receives an 'implied benefit' from the existence of school system....  That sounds nice, but I'm not sure that fits with the principles of our Founders. 

Although it might be a separate issue, I do think higher education workers (professors, staff, etc.) in WV should be able to run for public office, just as K-12 teachers can.  One shouldn't have to choose between their jobs and feeding their families; and making the State a better place.

Congress is considering a federally mandated mental health screening for all children.  It is a dangerous precedent to allow such a thing. Already there are too many children on psychoactive drugs when other treatments would work. Rowdy or gifted children who are bored with lessons should not be drugged, they should be challenged. You often get what you expect out of people: we have to choose if we will expect the best or the worst.