WEST CHESTER TWP. — Students at Freedom Elementary School tossed U.S. Rep. John Boehner a few easy questions when he visited to talk about education reform.

        But some questions fielded by the new chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee could rival the hard-hitting queries of the White House press corps.

Boehner

        In the form of a mock press conference, students Monday asked the West Chester Republican what initiatives the new administration plans to improve education, what will happen to Social Security and how will Democrats and Republicans work together?

        Third-grader Rocco Baldasare asked him: “What is the most difficult part of your job?”

        Hands down, getting people to work together, Mr. Boehner said.

        But he said the nation's two rival parties feel President Bush is willing to reach out to both sides.

        In the spirit of reaching out, Mr. Boehner said he wants to connect with his constituents through gatherings such as the one Freedom Elementary. Mr. Boehner visited after Principal Dave Tobergte wrote him a congratulatory letter and offered his assistance regarding work in Blue Ribbon Schools, some of America's most successful schools as named by the U.S. Department of Education. Freedom Elementary has twice been named a Blue Ribbon School.

        Mr. Boehner's office also kicked off an Education Reform Outreach Campaign Monday. Mr. Boehner intends to send more than 1,500 informational packets to educational professionals in his congressional district detailing Mr. Bush's education reform plans.

        “Over the years, we've tried to become everything to everybody,” he told students. “And guess what? That hasn't worked well.”

        The federal government needs to focus on children who most need help, he said. Accountability, such as mandatory math and reading assessments in grades 3-8, will be a part of Mr. Bush's plan, he said.

        Other information the young muckrakers uncovered Monday:

        • Yes, Mr. Boehner does get to take vacations outside of Washington.

        • No, he is not nervous when talking to Mr. Bush.

        • The Oval Office is his favorite room in the White House.

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