Governor Lauds Passage of Plan to Strengthen Schools

Governor Lauds Passage of Plan to Strengthen Schools

Sebelius pleased plan focuses on children in poverty, closes achievement gap

The following statement is from Governor Kathleen Sebelius:

"The most important priority during the legislative session this year has now been accomplished: passing a plan to strengthen our schools.

"When I first started meeting with legislative leaders in January, I proposed the goal of developing a three-year plan that made a good faith effort to follow the guidelines of the legislative cost study, a plan which all four leaders would vote for, and I would sign. On the 92nd day of the session, that vision became a reality.

"We all agreed we needed a plan that helped every school in Kansas, focused on children in poverty, and helped close the achievement gap.

"It took some late nights, some frank conversations, and a little bit of prodding from back home, but we've now seen legislators make a real commitment to our schools, and to our state's long-term prosperity.

"While I'm disappointed this plan doesn't give local communities the ability to enhance their schools to the degree I would have liked, or focus enough attention on closing the achievement gap through all-day kindergarten, I do think it's a great step forward. I'll continue to work on those initiatives that are missing from this plan, because they remain priorities for me and for Kansas parents and business leaders.

"Stronger schools lead to a well-educated workforce, which is what business leaders have told us time and again keeps and attracts good jobs in Kansas. This is a great step in the right direction, and it will help us ensure a prosperous future for ourselves and for our children."

http://www.ksgovernor.org/news/docs/news_rel051006b.html