NGA Winter Meeting Must Elevate Education Reform
Majority of Governors Show Leadership on Parent Choice
Press Release
Washington, D.C.
February 20, 2015
The National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting from February 20-23 presents an opportunity for state executives to discuss bipartisan solutions rooted in parent choice that have resulted in increased student success across the country.
“It is imperative these new governors from Maryland to Texas to Arizona act on promises to bring fresh ideas to the table when it comes to improving education,” said Kara Kerwin, president of The Center for Education Reform.
A CER analysis found that a majority of governors elected in 2014 demonstrated a commitment to reforming education while on the campaign trail.
However, these governors will unfortunately be joined by those who do not share the same sense of enthusiasm when it comes to bringing more education options for more students in their home states.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf recently stated that the Philadelphia school district, which has suffered from mismanagement for decades and had to be taken over by the state, cannot handle five new charter schools. Meanwhile, an estimated 176 charter schools serve as a lifeline for students across Pennsylvania, while Philadelphia district students remain stuck without new choices.
“Anti-reform governors like Wolf would benefit from the perspective of governors with proven track records of strengthening schools through choice and innovation,” said Kerwin.
“On behalf of families nationwide in need of better education options for their children, CER calls on reform-minded governors to educate their colleagues during the NGA Winter Meeting so that more of our state’s leaders go home ready to meet parent demand for school choice.”
