Kimberly Lightford
H.B. 2170 addresses issues like kindergarten readiness and the lack of advanced placement classes in poorer school districts. It would eventually require two years of a foreign language and two years of lab science to graduate from high school.
One of the bill’s sponsors, State Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) says the legislation is also aimed at attracting and retaining more minority teachers, especially male teachers.
“In year one, we’re looking to specifically do a set-aside so that African American male teachers are created and in place as soon as possible. They need to be visible for our young people.”