2011 gubernatorial press release: on Education
John Kitzhaber:
Governor's Cool Schools project is funded by teachers union
Governor Kitzhaber and the American Federation of Teachers announced a partnership including $15 million for investment in the Governor's Cool Schools Initiative. Today's announcement gives validation to our Cool Schools project.
I welcome the national interest in this program, and look forward to working with friends in labor. Cool Schools provides access to financing for school districts to fix leaky roofs, upgrade inefficient lighting and heating and make other improvements.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #111011
Nov 10, 2011
Peter Shumlin:
Vermont could be Education State if we focus on science
I am convinced that Vermont can become known nationally as the Education State in the coming years.My priorities include: Focus on the sciences, engineering, technology and mathematics. Support and expand partnerships in the state's business sector
and economy. Maintaining and innovating the essential infrastructure in agriculture. Support the transition to a health care system that contains costs, takes the burden off employers and strengthens health care delivery to keep Vermonters healthy.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release, "UVT"
Nov 8, 2011
Brian Sandoval:
Improve education performance measurements
Nevada is diligently working to improve accountability systems and measures throughout the K-12 system and this [new] policy academy will enable us to expand that work through the higher education realm. Nevada has been selected to participate in a
policy academy on strengthening post-secondary accountability systems by focusing on efficiency and effectiveness metrics in their accountability systems and incorporating those metrics into their decision making processes.
Source: Nevada 2011 gubernatorial press release, #4294972467
Oct 17, 2011
Jack Markell:
State provided public schools deserve improvement
Our commitment to improving K-12 education is clear and constant--because it gives children a much better chance to graduate ready to succeed in the work world. Our commitment to early childhood education is becoming more clear as well--
because children need every opportunity to show up, ready to learn, ready to succeed, and ready to make the most of the great public schools our state provides-- all critical components to keep our state, moving forward.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release, "Early Education"
Oct 14, 2011
Tom Corbett:
Enable kids in bad schools to attend private schools
Some students are consigned to failure because of their ZIP codes. They live in the shadow of failing public schools they must attend because their families lack the resources or ability to enroll them elsewhere.
Opportunity scholarships provide additional choices for Pennsylvania students.
Source: Pennsylvania 2011 gubernatorial press release #2985
Oct 11, 2011
Brian Sandoval:
Enhance education data systems in Nevada
The [new] council will help coordinate education efforts in Nevada from the preschool through postsecondary levels and has the authority to address the data information system for public school students.The education initiatives will enhance the
quality of instruction and improve student achievement. The effective use of high-quality education data is integral to the success of these reforms and establishing an effective education data system requires cooperation of all constituents.
Source: Nevada 2011 gubernatorial press release, #4294972273
Oct 7, 2011
Terry Branstad:
One Unshakable Vision: World-Class Schools for Iowa
Young people today must meet higher expectations than ever to succeed in this global economy. For the future of our children and our state, we must transform our good schools into world-class schools. "One Unshakable Vision: World-Class Schools for
Iowa," represents a long-term, reform-minded policy direction that builds from Iowa's strengths and adopts whole system improvements with lessons learned from the highest-performing systems in the world.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
Oct 3, 2011
John Kitzhaber:
Welcomes waiver from No Child Left Behind standards
I welcome President Obama's leadership in providing relief from the punitive provisions of No Child Left Behind. No Child Left Behind has twisted accountability through its single-minded focus on high-stakes standardized testing and labeling schools
and students as failures. We look forward to working with the U.S. Secretary of Education on a waiver that establishes school accountability based on meaningful information about student progress and delivers appropriate support for schools.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #092311
Sep 23, 2011
Pat Quinn:
Charter schools give parents more options to ensure success
Gov. Quinn opened the United Neighborhood Organization's charter school on Chicago's West Side. The state provided a $27 million "Illinois Jobs Now!" investment to build UNO's Soccer Academy Elementary School. "Making sure that every child in
Illinois has access to a quality education is a top priority of my administration and parents throughout Illinois. This project is the next step of many we are taking to give parents more options to ensure their children have opportunities to succeed."
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #9731
Sep 15, 2011
Dennis Daugaard:
Spending does not guarantee student achievement
I'm pleased with this [Court] opinion because the appropriate place to determine school funding is the Legislature, not the courts.
I believe we should focus on student achievement, not spending, as the best measure of educational success. That approach is very consistent with the Supreme Court's decision.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release "Archives"
Sep 1, 2011
Robert Bentley:
Improving schools with a federal/state/private partnership
Governor Bentley announced results for A+ College Ready's Advanced Placement Training and Incentive program. Program schools achieved a 108% average increase in passing Advanced Placement scores. A+ College Ready is a proven investment that is
preparing our students for college and the jobs of tomorrow. The funding is a public-private partnership that includes the legislature, the National Math and Science Initiative, the U.S. Department of Education and private donors.
Source: 2011 Alabama gubernatorial press release #5513
Aug 24, 2011
Mike Beebe:
Teach science and math using new, national methods
We have a new statewide initiative called STEM Works that will change the way we teach science, technology, engineering and math in Arkansas's schools. The goal is make Arkansas more competitive for high-wage jobs in a global economy.
Many children are familiar with computers before they even begin school, but we teach using the same methods we have used for centuries. STEM Works will use new methods already producing results in classrooms across the country and around the world.
Source: Arkansas 2011 gubernatorial press release #3038
Aug 18, 2011
Dave Heineman:
Virtual school is good for Nebraska
The Virtual School will provide Nebraska students a rigorous online high school curriculum with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, commonly referred to as STEM courses, and
Advanced Placement courses in both rural and urban areas. Additionally, the Virtual School establishes a single, centralized website informing students, parents, teachers and schools of virtual learning opportunities in Nebraska.
Source: 2011 Nebraska Gubernatorial press release
Aug 10, 2011
Brian Sandoval:
Yes to charter schools statewide
Nevada is now one of only eight states to have a statewide authorizing agency focused on building high quality charter schools.To more fully integrate charter schools into the Nevada education system, SB 212
eliminates the current governing board for charter schools, which is a subcommittee of the State Board of Education and transfers the responsibility for authorizing and overseeing high-quality charter schools in Nevada to the Charter School Authority.
Source: Nevada 2011 gubernatorial press release, #4294971879
Aug 1, 2011
Jack Markell:
Improve charter schools, teachers, and accountability
Efforts to improve education continued with legislation to reform the charter school system, better enable schools to attract the best teachers, improve the state's ability to measure the impact of education initiatives, and ensure that services for
children with disabilities are more equitably and effectively delivered. These reforms will help us improve accountability and react more quickly and effectively when a school is in trouble.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release, "Legislative Session"
Jul 1, 2011
John Hickenlooper:
Federal funds will ensure excellence in Education in CO
Gov. Hickenlooper applauded the U.S. Department of Education's announcement that Colorado is eligible to apply for Race to the Top funds. We have every intention of pursuing this opportunity to fund excellence in our schools. In the face of increasing
global competition, educating our kids is the key to economic success. Colorado will build on our previous Race to the Top applications, forge ahead with the reform efforts we already have underway and hopefully secure this federal funding.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #1251593245085
May 25, 2011
Susana Martinez:
Keep great teachers by retention rewards
In order to provide the best possible education for children, we must bring excellent teachers into our classrooms and we must keep them there. Throwing money at a subpar system simply has not produced the results that our students, teachers, and parents
deserve. A task force will develop a plan to find, reward, and retain great teachers who can give our students an education that will prepare them for success in college, in the workforce, and in life.
Source: 2011 N.M. gubernatorial press release #110519-1
May 19, 2011
Jack Dalrymple:
K-12, equal and adequate funding for all districts
Senate Bill 2150 allocates $997 million in state funding for K-12 schools, an increase of $102.5 million over the current biennium.The equitable & adequate funding of K-12 education statewide is a valuable investment in our youth & our future. Since
2006, many have worked hard to bring about the greatest reform of K-12 funding in our history. This legislation builds on that success and ensures that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.
Source: N.D. 2011 gubernatorial press release, "K-12"
May 10, 2011
Rick Snyder:
Mandatory school choice for every school; remove boundaries
School funding should follow the student. This includes mandatory school choice for every public school district.
Providing open access to a quality education without boundaries is essential. We must minimize all state and local barriers that hinder innovation at the local level.
Source: 2011 Michigan gubernatorial press release, "Special Message"
Apr 27, 2011
Jack Dalrymple:
Higher education is key to North Dakota's future
It is important for us to continue to invest in the system, ensuring the competitiveness of our colleges and universities and creating enhanced opportunities for our young people to excel as tomorrow's leaders.Legislation
will minimize tuition increases and address funding inequities, enhance healthcare education programs and support non-beneficiary students attending ND tribal colleges. Senate Bill 2013 includes increased funding for scholarships for ND students.
Source: N.D. 2011 gubernatorial press release, "Higher Ed"
Apr 4, 2011
Jay Nixon:
We need federal dollars for our schools
Rejecting federal funds would have a harmful impact on schools. Schools are relying upon those funds in the supplemental budget to meet payroll and other expenses this year. The federal law that authorized these education funds was clear.
If Missouri turns these funds away, they will go to schools in other states. Meanwhile, Missouri schools will be left frantically finding ways to cut hundreds of thousands of dollars from their budgets in the next few weeks.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release, "Unemployment"
Apr 1, 2011
Susana Martinez:
A-F school grading system will increase transparency
The new bills create a transparent A-F grading system that parents, educators and community members can easily understand.Strengthening accountability and increasing transparency in our schools are the keys to improving
the quality of education we offer every child in New Mexico. By recognizing progress and aiding struggling schools, we will give principals and teachers the tools they need to help students succeed.
Source: 2011 N.M. gubernatorial press release #110316_2
Mar 16, 2011
Robert Bentley:
Give more power to school boards to make decisions
We will give flexibility to local school boards to prioritize and make decisions that affect the schools in their districts.
We will remove restrictive language from legislation that dictates decisions made by these schools board and give them additional funding and flexibility so they can put the money to highest and best use.
Source: 2011 Alabama gubernatorial press release #4728
Mar 1, 2011
Dennis Daugaard:
Schools should be run by local school boards
I realize that schools can become so small that it is impractical to continue operating. However, the state should not be making this determination based on an arbitrary number. The judgment should be made locally, based on what is best
for the children and the taxpayers in that district. Local school boards, who are elected and held accountable by local residents, should decide what is best for their children.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release "Archives"
Feb 18, 2011
Christine Gregoire:
Unify Department of Education; prepare students to succeed
Unify the state's eight education agencies and 14 major education plans into a Department of Education. Focus all department activities on students and student learning from early learning to higher education. Washington state does not have an
education system but multiple agencies and plans that deal with education. If students are going to succeed as they progress from early learning through higher education, then every level of education must work together from pre-school on up.
Source: 2011 Wash. gubernatorial press release #1645
Feb 1, 2011
Andrew Cuomo:
Follows federal lead in education by emphasizing performance
The federal government's move to performance-based grants, including the Race to the Top program, has resulted in reform. I propose two competitive funds to incentivize improvements. First, I propose a school performance fund for districts that
proportionally increase performance in the classroom. The second will be an administrative efficiency fund for districts that can find savings through efficiencies. These grants will complement the objectives of the Race to the Top program.
Source: N. Y. 2011 gubernatorial press release "Assets SOS2011"
Jan 5, 2011
John Lynch:
The state should provide kids with kindergarten
In 2007, for the first time, the state defined an adequate education--a definition that includes Kindergarten. The independent research is clear about the importance of kindergarten to the education of our children and the contribution it makes to
ensuring later academic success. By ensuring all of our children have the opportunity to attend kindergarten, we are laying the foundation for success, and providing an equal opportunity for all students to begin their education on sure footing.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #020811
Jan 1, 2011
Page last updated: Feb 13, 2019