We must be willing to pay inspiring math and science teachers, who have high paying alternatives in industry, more to teach and reward students who take more challenging courses in high school.

We must conserve our environment and pass it on to our children in as good or better condition than it was passed to us.

While we enjoy the benefits of living in the greatest democracy in the world, we must be ever conscious of the fact that none of the achievements or freedoms enjoyed in America would be possible without the price that has been paid for by our servicemen.

Too many vital education dollars that should be spent in the classroom are bouncing around in the federal bureaucracy.

But the best thing Washington can do for education is realize that our role is limited. Washington must keep its promises, but let those who know our childrens' names- parents, teachers and school board members- make education decisions.

Part of Washington keeping its promises is a focus on directing more dollars into our local classrooms.

The lack of substantial resources and staffing along the Northern U.S. border poses a real security threat.