Rolley also proposes a targeted voucher program, a controversial system that provides public subsidies to attend private schools. He proposes to close the five worst-performing middle schools and offer the students transfers to other public schools or $10,000 vouchers, contingent on passing grades, to attend private schools.
His plan, he says, is inspired by the opportunity he received to escape his failing high school in New Jersey to attend more rigorous programs.
"We have the opportunity to elect a mayor who understands in his heart the fundamental role education can play when we have someone coming from a dysfunctional background," Rolley said.
Landers said "rebuilding morale in the system is as important as addressing these other issues."
He said he would encourage a series of forums with schools chief Andrés Alonso and school communities.
Rawlings-Blake has remained a staunch supporter of the city school system and Alonso, and said she was "pleased" with the progress that's been made.
She urged residents to look at the recent slide in test scores and the cheating scandal as aberrations in an otherwise improving system.
"I'm not accepting that this dip in test scores this year is a forecast of what's to come," she said. "Our kids have come a long way.
"It's OK to say that we want to do better, without minimizing the progress that's been made."
Where they stand
Improving school facilities:
•Rawlings-Blake's plan to fund school facility improvements has been delayed six months; she says it will be released in the next few weeks. She would designate 10 percent of slots money to school construction.
•Rolley would look to public-private partnerships to help fund improvements of 50 schools in the next decade; would dedicate almost all slots revenue to school construction.
•Pugh would press the business and philanthropic community to partner in renovating schools, as was done in her partnership with Maryland Institute College of Art President Fred Lazarus for a design school the two will open this fall.
•Landers would look to close and consolidate schools and programs; convert large spaces, like vacant shopping centers, into classrooms.
•Conaway would look to the private sector to help with funding, specifically developers who have received tax breaks from the city. He also wants more scrutiny of city schools facility contractors, to ensure they are providing honest pricing.
Increased funding for city schools:
•Rawlings-Blake emphasized the city has maintained its "maintenance of effort" to the school system, even with a large budget deficit. .
•Rolley said the state needs to continue its full funding of city schools under the Thornton formula; says answer is not to keep putting money in the schools, but ensuring stewardship of the money already in the system.
•Pugh would look for more money for city schools as she overhauls the city's budget to cut administrative costs.
•Landers would also look for more money to support the school system by cutting city administrative costs.
•Conaway said that if the city can find $304 million for a hotel, it can find more money for schools.
Supporting city's academics:
•Rawlings-Blake would continue supporting Teach for America, city schools CEO Andrés Alonso and the efforts of the school system, such as the new teachers union contract.
•Rolley would return the system to mayoral control, and champion a voucher program for students zoned for the city's five worst-performing middle schools.
•Pugh would be a full partner with the school system, and start by opening a dialogue about what tools the system needs to prevent cheating and declining test scores.
•Landers said that morale is biggest challenge in city schools right now and would propose that Alonso have a forum to hear from teachers and the community who are frustrated; would help the system to restore public trust in the wake of cheating scandals and academic backslide.
•Conaway would promote more vocational programs in the city's schools, to teach students academic and job skills.
