News Releases for March 2006
March 1, 2006
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Hoeven: Commission On Education Improvement Moving Forward
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today commended the Governor's Commission on Education Improvement for advancing a new framework for the formula used to fund the state's K-12 schools. The new approach provides a starting point for crafting a working formula, and promises to be more equitable and adequate.
"The commission is addressing the issues of equity and adequacy at the root, which means creating a comprehensive, yet flexible formula," Hoeven said. "We need to continue the effort to ensure that all of our children receive a quality education."
School district superintendents on the commission made recommendations for changing the state's current education funding formula at today's meeting in Bismarck. The goals of their framework include:
- Use the availability of at least $60 million in new funding as an opportunity to address the inadequacies and inequities of the current funding system.
- Provide for the funding of an adequate education for all children in public schools.
- Provide equitable distribution of resources among public school districts.
- Accomplish this task to the benefit of all public school districts.
"The commission is off to a good start," said Commission Chair Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple. "These are creative and innovative solutions and commission members are addressing important topics in greater detail than ever before."
Also at today's meeting, commission members established subgroups to research and advance specific topics outlined in the proposal for presentation and discussion at the next meeting scheduled for April 5 in West Fargo. The subgroups will cover topics such as the main funding formula, special education, weighting factors, career and technical education, Joint Powers Agreements, capital improvements and transportation.
Gov. Hoeven created the Commission on Education Improvement as part of the education funding plan proposed by the state and nine school districts suing North Dakota over school funding equity. The school districts have agreed to stay their lawsuit while the state pursues the plan. The commission will make recommendations to the Legislature for improving both funding adequacy and equity among districts.
For more information about the commission and its members, visit the Governor's Web site at www.governor.nd.gov.
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