[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image img_size=”overlap-medium” alignment=”center” image=”6724″ animation=”fadeInUp”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text animation=”fadeInLeft”]October 11, 2019<\/b><\/p>\n
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bevin noted that the purpose of public education from the earliest days of the nation was to create virtuous citizens, and that needs to remain a central focus. He emphasized that education has been a priority in his family, with several family members choosing to be teachers.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we\u2019re not reinventing ourselves, challenging ourselves, or holding ourselves to high standards, what are we doing?\u201d he asked. \u201cHave we made great strides since KERA? Of course, we have. But we are seeing how that, while more kids are succeeding, more kids are also falling behind,\u201d and the gap between those groups is growing. Although the average might look good, it isn\u2019t, he added. (Link to full address is below.)<\/em><\/p>\n Coleman, an assistant principal at Nelson County High School and basketball coach, said schools are dealing with every issue that is a challenge for the state and that morale has suffered from a lack of support shown to teachers and schools.<\/p>\n Addressing the issues of children facing cycles of poverty, addiction and low attainment, she said: \u201cWe need to lift these kids up. The most efficient way is through education. Every challenge we face in Kentucky, we face in our classrooms.\u201d<\/p>\n Budget cuts in education not only create class size and academic issues but also increase school safety issues, she said. Funding education \u201cis so much more than content and instruction. It impacts caring about and lifting up kids and delivering wrap-around services for families.\u201d (Link to full address is below.)<\/em><\/p>\n The final two days of meetings focused on building strong partnerships among parents, communities and schools to improve students\u2019 learning.<\/p>\n Dr. Karen Mapp of the Harvard Graduate School of Education was among several presenters who shared information with the committee about the positive impact productive partnerships have on students and families and on schools\u2019 ability to make the right \u2013 if sometimes difficult \u2013 decisions on programs and funding.<\/p>\n Mapp pointed out that research has shown the student impact of powerful partnerships includes:<\/p>\n Family engagement is defined as a full, equal and equitable partnership among families, educators and community partners to promote children\u2019s learning and development from birth through college and career, she said. It is a core part of a school\u2019s performance, \u201ca practice, not a program, not an add-on.\u201d<\/p>\n Too often, families and educators have not had the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills they need to engage in effective partnerships, she said. That\u2019s why targeted programs, such as the Prichard Committee\u2019s Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership, are so important.<\/p>\n Nate Levenson, founder and managing partner of District Management Group of Boston, told the committee that, while having more money helps, \u201cwhat you do with it matters immensely,\u201d and there is no one right way to spend resources.<\/p>\n Schools use money best if they have strong community relationships, he said, but communities can also present obstacles if the right partnerships are not developed. Focus is critical on funding decisions.<\/p>\n \u201cBudgeting becomes easier and more effective if schools and communities come together to set \u2013 and limit \u2013 priorities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The committee also heard presentations on:<\/p>\n The statewide citizens\u2019 group also recognized Warren County parent Melissa Mefford with the Beverly Nickell Raimondo Leadership Award. Mefford was described as modeling \u201cparent leadership that is focused on helping students, staff and parents become the best they can be.\u201d<\/p>\n The award is named in honor and memory of Raimondo, who was instrumental in the development of the Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership in 1997. Since its founding, the institute has trained and supported hundreds of parents as advocates for educational excellence.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence\u00a0<\/strong>is an independent, nonpartisan, citizen-led organization working to improve education in Kentucky \u2013 early childhood through postsecondary[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][wyde_info_box title=”Links” icon=”fa fa-link”]Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin speaks to the Prichard Committee<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>For more information, contact:
\n<\/span><\/i>Brigitte Blom Ramsey, Executive Director
\n<\/b>(office) 859-233-9849
\n<\/span>(cell) 859-322-8999<\/span>
\nbrigitte.blomramsey@prichardcommittee.org[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][wyde_heading subheading_tag=”h3″ style=”2″ title=”Candidates for governor, lieutenant governor discuss education priorities at Prichard Committee annual meeting” subheading=”Building strong partnerships, effectively engaging families and communities with schools was focus of event” animation=”slideInLeft”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text animation=”fadeInRight”]LEXINGTON, Ky. \u2013 Gov. Matt Bevin and Jacqueline Coleman, who is the\u00a0 Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, addressed the Prichard Committee\u2019s annual meeting.<\/p>\n\n
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