The recent announcement that forums on the new Common Core curriculum have been canceled by New York State Education Commissioner John King is an inappropriate response to the concerns of our parents, educators and local school districts. As the father of two young children, I care deeply that our kids receive a quality education. Nothing is more central to our way of life than equipping future generations with the skills they need to prosper. Suffolk County is home to outstanding teachers and administrators, many of whom are among the best in the state and nation. Even more, each school district is home to thousands of dedicated parents wanting to provide their children with the best education possible.
As your assemblyman, I will be an unrelenting advocate for our children and will work to ensure that our students have the ability to compete in the global marketplace. Regardless of your position on the issue, it is the responsibility of public officials to encourage and facilitate open and respectful dialogue, especially on those issues which are most controversial. I am extremely disappointed that Commissioner King will not be hosting these public forums. As the parent of two young children, I want to be part of the dialogue and the solution, so that our children can continue to receive the highest quality education in the world.
