Mike Johanns on Education Secretary of Agriculture; previously Republican NE Governor

$27M for state colleges’ recruitment & diversity

The investment I propose for the University and the State Colleges is aggressive. My budget provides an increase of over $26.6 million additional dollars in the first year of the budget with another $29.4 million added in the second year of the budget. At the same time, I challenge higher education in Nebraska, including the University, State Colleges, and Community Colleges, in three key areas:
1. to encourage and actively recruit every Nebraska high school graduate to stay in Nebraska for his or her college education;
2. to promote diversity among students and staff in higher education by actively recruiting students not only from across the United States but from around the world; and
3. to promote collaboration, cooperation, and innovative partnerships which will ensure unparalleled educational opportunities for our students.

More teacher bonuses and incentives, locally decided

I [support] the Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program [which] will provide loans to teacher education students who agree to teach in Nebraska public or private schools. [And I support] The Master Teacher Program will provide an annual financial incentive for public and private school teachers who achieve rigorous national certification. However, the one-size fits all across-the-board bonus plan suggested by the Teacher Salary Task Force is not a workable solution. I suggest these guiding parameters for discussion:
• One size fits all is not the solution
• Any solution must respect local decision-making
• Cooperation must exist between local and state government
• Equalization between districts is an important goal that should not be abandoned
• The solution must fit within our current resources - I will not support a tax increase
• Where possible, within constitutional parameters, private school teachers should be able to participate in any state level programs.