Stepping Up for Success: The State of Education in Rhode Island 2013

Deborah A. Gist:

I am enthusiastic about the passion that all of us feel about public education, and I welcome the diversity of viewpoints among us. All of us understand that our schools - and our children - represent the future of Rhode Island. All of us understand that every step we take to advance public education will help advance the economic prosperity of our state.

As we work together to transform our schools, there is an important factor that has remained constant: the unwavering support from the membership and the leadership of this General Assembly. House Speaker Fox, Senate President Paiva Weed, and you, the members of the General Assembly, have been steadfast allies of our schools, our teachers, and our students. My colleagues in other states are envious of the support we receive from our elected officials in Rhode Island - and I am very grateful. Speaker Fox and President Paiva Weed: Thank you for your leadership.

You have many important education matters before you this session, including a package of bills on school safety. Above all else, our schools must be safe places for teaching and learning. These bills, which Representative McNamara and Senator Gallo have sponsored, will help us better ensure the safety of our teachers and students.

We must also ensure that our communities have the resources they need as we work to transform education in our state. Governor Chafee is a champion of education. Even in these difficult economic times, he has consistently maintained support for education funding. This year, Governor Chafee's budget again supports Year Three of our Funding Formula, including important categorical funding:

Posted by Jim Zellmer at May 5, 2013 2:07 AM
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