Standing in force, Governor Joe Manchin, Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, Speaker of the House Richard Thompson, State Superintendent Steve Paine, Senate and House Education Chairs Senator Robert Plymale and Delegate Mary Poling and spokespersons for the teachers’ organizations (WVEA and AFT), conducted a news conference prior to the close of the First Extraordinary Session of 2010 – which focused on education.
The President and the Speaker reiterated the Governor’s enthusiasm regarding education reform in West Virginia. However, because of the complexities involved in overhauling the school system in a confined time-line, all agreed to return to Charleston on June 7th to continue their deliberations.
Having contacted Secretary Arne Duncan at the Department of Education in Washington D.C., the state officials were notified there would be a third round of the federal program Race To The Top. With the progress West Virginia has made in recent days, all of the state leaders believe a consensus can be made with the intent of providing West Virginia’s children the “equalizer” of a quality education.
A working committee made up of representatives from the various teacher organizations, the State Board of Education and 10 lawmakers selected by the President and the Speaker will continue to review, study and prepare a comprehensive plan which will provide for a solid consensus but all involved prior to their return on June 7th.
The members of the working group appointed by the President and Speaker include: Senators Robert Plymale, Erik Wells, Richard Browning, Dan Foster and Jesse Guills as well as Delegates Mary Poling, Ron Fragale, Tom Campbell, Josh Stowers and Ray Canterbury.
All agreed to be prepared to work for all West Virginia children so they can enjoy the American dream.
The Legislature is adjourned Sine Die.
