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If more people got involved with their local schools, if more companies donated money, a lot of the problems that are plaguing our schools and our youth would disappear.

As the son of a union activist and a lifelong Democrat, I've always thought that privatizing our public schools is not the answer. We must strengthen public schools.

I am convinced that your Mayor must take the leadership role in education too.

The opponents of my budget propose taking $200 million out of our classrooms and instead spending it on a larger school employee pay raise. Our focus should be on making sure our children come first.

School reform is not enough. The notion of schooling itself must be challenged.

Listen, if the mayor wants to have a debate about education in this city, I got three words: bring it on.

During my time as a state legislator, I've pushed for significant investment in public school districts. In Congress, I would look forward to increasing federal public investment in education through initiatives like Race to the Top.

Also, if we take back our schools and concentrate on improving them so our children get a better education, they will be better trained to compete for a job locally.

We need to increase education budgets.

If the government is going to mandate levels and punish schools for failing, they should send that money to the school system.