We want to focus federal involvement on aid to charter schools and help to states and communities with federally imposed mandates. Research tells us that academic performance suffers if students are in buildings that are unsatisfactory, Goodling said. Safety code violations, outdated science laboratories and equipment, environmental hazards, structural threats to personal safety, and facilities that are obstacle courses for disabled students can adversely affect the degree to which students learn. The bill allows the federal government to provide measured assistance to states and schools without changing or decreasing state and local responsibility and decision-making. The bill assists states and schools, including charter schools, with the expenses of unfunded federal mandates, as well as technology and equipment needs of schools.
All children deserve a high-quality education in safe classrooms with the necessary equipment.
Research shows that academic performance suffers if students are in school buildings that are below par. Leaking roofs, safety code violations, outdated science equipment, environmental hazards, and facilities that are hard for disabled students to use can adversely affect learning. Republicans believe that the primary responsibility for school construction remains at the state and local level. Republicans support the school construction package vetoed last year by President Clinton, which would have made it feasible for all school districts to increase funds for construction through changes in the arbitrage rebate rules. The limited role of the federal government should focus on aid to charter schools and relief to states and communities from federally imposed mandates.