AFSA Endorses Kerry for President: 'Take Back Education, the White House'.

Business Editors/Education Writers/Government Writers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 2004

The American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), AFL-CIO -- the only national labor union for public school principals, assistant principals, administrators, and supervisors -- announced today it endorsed Democratic candidate Senator John Kerry for President of the United States.

"The past four years under the Bush Administration have been disastrous for public education, and working families," said AFSA National President Baxter Atkinson. "We need to take back public education, and the White House!"

"John Kerry is committed to providing the basic tools educators need to deliver quality public school education, such as full funding for No Child Left Behind and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, professional development, teacher supply and quality, smaller class sizes, and school repair and construction," President Atkinson added. "Senator Kerry has never supported vouchers. I am confident he will do the right thing for public education in America."

In a candidate questionnaire he filled out for the AFL-CIO, John Kerry wrote: "...Our inner-city and our rural schools need better buildings, more textbooks, higher paid teachers, the best principals, and smaller classes. They also need the strongest possible support they can get from our leaders - especially the President of the United States."

President Atkinson continued: "He is a proven, seasoned leader who places the good of Americans above all else. He has the qualifications, leadership, and the right priorities to win a decisive victory against George W. Bush in November. AFSA is pleased to heartily endorse John Kerry for President."

AFSA fights for quality public school education. For more than 25 years, AFSA continues to provide labor, legislative, professional, occupational, and leadership services to nearly 20,000 principals, assistant principals, administrators and supervisors throughout the United States and U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, see www.admin.org.