Dear Editor:
The news that the Bush administration is pushing for legislation that would turn the Head Start program over to the individual states is most disturbing.
It is difficult to understand why a program that has been so successful for generations and that has so positively affected the lives of millions of children should be changed at this juncture. In other words, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
In effect, what this plan would result in is a fragmented and fractured program to be altered as each state sees fit. Who will see to it that the high standards of Head Start will be met in each of the 50 states?
Unfortunately, I see this change as the downfall of a wonderful program that really gives children a “head start”. Rather than abandoning the program, the Bush administration should be making a new commitment — philosophically and financially — to early education.
Sincerely,
Brian P. Stack
Mayor
Chairman, Education Committee, Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders