John knows that a strong public education is the key to unlocking opportunity for Maryland’s children. He fought to make public school funding a top priority, while promoting accountability in the classroom. Over the last decade, the State has doubled its investment in public education.

Today, school funding accounts for over 40% of the State’s operating budget – and the results are impressive. Test scores are climbing, dropout rates are falling, and more students are getting a better education. Education Week magazine ranked Maryland’s public schools the best in the nation two years running, and Maryland students led the nation in Advanced Placement exam performance this year.

John believes our children should learn in safe and modern classrooms, and he is acutely aware of the challenges posed by aging school infrastructure. That’s why he has supported a significant state investment in school construction and renovation, including over $1.25 billion in the past three years.

A strong public school system is only part of the equation. John knows that access to higher education is critical to ensuring Maryland’s long term economic competitiveness. He supported a four-year freeze on college tuition to ensure that the doors of our university system remain open to middle class families. He also supported strong investment in our community college system.

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