PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - In the race for U.S. Senate Independent candidate Angus King announced his plan for education Wednesday.

So we decided to reach out to the other candidates to find what their priorities would be when it comes to education.

All 3 candidates say education has a direct link to a strong economy on many levels. They also agree that the standards based education reform act "No Child Left Behind" should be repealed.

But they have differing opinions on how to improve our education system. For example Republican candidate Charlie Summers says scale back the federal Department of Education, take the money that now goes into and distribute it to the states so they can make their own decisions about education.

Democratic candidate Cynthia Dill, a teacher herself, says a major priority would be early childhood education because every dollar the government spends on early education is an investment that will result in savings over the long term.

Independent Angus King says we must get parents more involved.

"Because the schools can't do it themselves. It requires parent engagement, student engagement and it has to be a partnership," he said.

If you'd like to hear more about where the candidates stand on education and other issues, join us for U.S. Senate debate, live right here Monday night. NEWS CENTER's Pat Callaghan will be the moderator starting at 7:00.

 

 

 

 

 

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