Here are the responses of the two major party Candidates for Pennsylvania Governor to our Pennsylvania Homeschoolers questionnaire as we printed them in the August 1994 Issue (#48) of the PA Homeschoolers newsletter.
Question: What are your positions on the proposals for lowering the compulsory school entrance age to age 6 and for raising the compulsory school exit age from 17 to 18?
I do not support any changes in the state's compulsory attendance laws to either lower the school entrance age or raise the exit age. Pennsylvania's current entrance age requirement gives parents a great deal of freedom, as it appropriately should, as to when their child is ready to begin school. Maintaining the current law's requirements is consistent with maintaining that parental freedom.
Question: Do you recognize the right of parents to direct the education of their children by choosing public, private, religious, or home instruction?
Pennsylvania's parents must be empowered to send their children to the school of their choice, be it public, private, or religious. My commitment to competition and desire to create options for parents and children includes homeschooling as well.
Like most Pennsylvanians, I believe parents know what is best for their children's education, including which school best meets the specific needs of their child. I want parents to be able to decide for themselves which school is right for their child and more responsive and accountable to education's consumers -- Pennsylvania's parents and children.
My educational reform plan will start Pennsylvania down the road towards a full statewide choice system. The first step in my plan will give choice to low-income and working-class parents in districts with high concentrations of poverty or in serious financial difficulty. In moving forward with school choice, however, I am committed to maintaining the protections and autonomy currently afforded to private schools and homeschoolers.
Question: Could you tell us what your philosophy is on issues that would affect the family?
The family is the most important unit in society. The family, along with schools, churches, synagogues, neighborhoods and related "mediating structures" form the foundation of our communities and Commonwealth.
As governor, I want to give greater control and decision making to families and these traditional institutions. I want to empower Pennsylvanians, families and communities; to give them the responsibility, as well as the accompanying accountability, to seize control of their daily lives and make for themselves the critical choices that affect them and their communities.
Question: What is your position on the proposal for lowering the compulsory school entrance age to age 6?
I will carefully evaluate any bill which may have an impact on the education of children in Pennsylvania. Everything that a child learns in and out of the classroom can be a learning experience, and we must insure that parents are given as many options as possible regarding the education of their children. Furthermore, we must be sure that children are adequately prepared for the next step of their education.
Question: What is your position on the proposal for raising the compulsory school exit age from 17 to 18?
I believe that it is extremely important that Pennsylvania students earn their High School Diploma. It is almost impossible for a high school drop-out to secure a good job in today's market. Therefore, we must do all we can to encourage our students to complete their High School education and pass a High School equivalency GED test.
Question: Do you recognize the right of parents to direct the education of their children by choosing public, private, religious, or home instruction?
Parents must have the right to send their children to any school they choose provided that school meets State requirements. I do, however, oppose funding of Private School vouchers.
Question: Could you tell us what your philosophy is on issues that would affect the family?
[For the answer to this question, Mr. Singel included the following press release dated April 4, 1994:]
Singel's most comprehensive efforts to preserve families as Governor will be in the area of domestic violence. Singel cites the statistic that the leading cause of injury in women in America is domestic violence. "Educating officials from law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges will help break the cycle," said Singel.
His plan calls for: written domestic abuse procedures for all police departments; working with the Attorney General and District Attorneys Association to implement a written policy on prosecution of domestic abuse cases; and domestic violence education as part of the required curriculum for district judges.
Enforcement of current laws and protecting victims of domestic violence are other major issues outlined in Singel's plan. As Governor, Singel will: support legislation to establish a statewide registry of protection orders; and increase sanctions for violations of protection orders.
Additionally, Singel's plan addresses: increased funding for shelters and related programs; Domestic violence training in school curricula; and Child custody in abusive situations.
Return to PA Homeschoolers Home Page
Return to Homeschooling in Pennsylvania Page