I think that our public schools sometimes get a bad rap - and sometimes deservedly so. I think the goal of every school system has to be excellence.

I think that is unprofessional, I think that is unethical and I am aghast that somebody would do that. This is a closed club, and they don't want anybody in their club, and that's what this e-mail says.

When I was coaching, the kids wanted to leave private schools for the public schools so they could get the best coaching, play the best competition. It's not that way anymore.

In public schools, classes are bloated - it's ridiculous.

We're not proposing any shifting of funding from public schools to private schools.

If confirmed, I will be a strong advocate for great public schools.