Education is one of the most important gifts we can give our children, and I have always been a strong supporter of the need for high quality education in all age groups. The next generation must have the skills to find jobs, defend our nation and stimulate the economy. I am proud of the education system in Texas, especially the teachers who commit their lives to fostering the academic growth of our students. As the parent of two teachers and a grandfather, I will work to ensure the growth and progress of our country by giving our students the education they need to succeed in a global economy.

As the federal government continues to be actively involved in our education system, the simple fact is that parents can make better choices about their children's education than the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC. I believe the availability of school choice will both provide students with more access to better schools and also induce public schools to improve as a result of competition. It is for this reason that I support local control over education. I firmly believe that state governments, local school boards, teachers, parents, and students must be the ones that set the agenda for education, and they must have the responsibility of controlling the money.