Colorado. Governor Owens said education funding is one of his priorities and it will continue to receive a fair share of the state's revenues. He does not think, however, education should continue receiving the large funding increases required by Constitutional Amendment 23, while other state spending is reduced. The governor asked the Legislature to reach a compromise on changing Amendment 23 and the Tabor Amendment, which limits spending of increased state revenues, to be presented to voters for their required approval of constitutional changes. The governor highlighted some of the education achievements that resulted from Colorado's efforts to reform the public education system, including a decline in the number of minority students attending schools classified as "unsatisfactory" and an improved accountability system that provides parents, educators and the community with information on how their schools are performing. He proposed revising the Student Accountability Reports so they follow students from year to year and show how students are progressing. The Legislature will consider alternatives for authorizing charter schools in addition to school districts, and Owens says he will sign the bill. The Legislature also will consider ways to expand school choice for special-needs students. The courts placed a hold on the statewide school voucher program enacted last year, and the governor said the administration will fight that decision. Owens' proposed budget includes increased spending for higher education and additional financial aid for college students. The governor said the higher education system must be changed to put financial power in the hands of students through the College Opportunity Fund, allowing dollars to follow students to the institution of their choice. He asked the Legislature to reach an agreement on enterprise status for universities to give institutions more flexibility and a stronger financial base, while protecting taxpayers and students. Owens will not support legislation that allows colleges and universities unlimited freedom to increase tuition.
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Connecticut. Governor Rowland said Connecticut has a high-quality education system and citizens are committed to making it better. Past investments have resulted in higher levels of student achievement, increased postsecondary education enrollments and recognition of the state as a leader in education policy. The governor asked the Legislature to approve the Connecticut State University system bond issue. More students are enrolling in the state's postsecondary institutions, graduates are staying in the state and private investments are growing because of efforts underway to transform higher education through capital projects, expansion of academic programs and improved campus life. The state must concentrate on eliminating gaps in student achievement levels, and Rowland proposed $2 million be targeted to this effort. In addition to state support of public charter schools, magnets schools and vocational-technical schools that provide school choice options, the governor proposed funding a small scholarship program for students attending low-performing schools to further expand school choice options. He proposed increasing funding for the school readiness program, making preschool available to all children. The governor sees equal education opportunities as the civil rights issue of the 21st Century. To improve children's opportunity to compete in the world market, Connecticut is building an interactive science and exploration center allowing students to access the center through the Connecticut Education Network. Rowland proposed legislation providing free college tuition at any public state postsecondary education institution for the spouse or children of any Connecticut soldier killed in the war on terror.
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Delaware. Governor Minner recognized students' high performances on the NAEP tests. She said if high academic goals are set for children, and students and schools are provided with the necessary tools, performance would improve. The governor proposed several suggestions on ways to further improve student achievement levels. Minner wants the Legislature to appropriate funding needed to provide a reading resource teacher for every elementary school. Fifty schools currently have reading resource teachers and 68 more are needed. Delaware should do more to support the development of children in their early years. The governor wants every school to offer full-day kindergarten by 2008, and her agenda includes a plan for transforming half-day kindergarten to a full-day kindergarten system. Since Minner took office, she has worked to ensure most of the new education funding reaches the classroom. Her proposed budget follows this practice by including $9 million for textbooks, technology and other classroom supplies. The state needs to attract the best students to the teaching profession. To support this belief, the governor proposed the creation of a Delaware Teacher Corps. A teacher would commit to one year of teaching in the state's schools for every year of schooling that is paid for by the Corps. Her proposed budget includes funding for the Delaware Teacher Corps program, and Minner requested the majority of funds be used to fill critical teacher shortages of middle and high school math and science teachers.
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District of Columbia. Mayor Williams noted recent instances of violence at or near schools involving young people and said children need to be safe at schools. The mayor asked the police department to take full responsibility for public school security. He wants to transform Washington, D.C. into a "City of Learning," which means have quality teachers and give them the necessary resources, teach children who want to learn, build strong school leadership, engage parents and the community, and develop a school system that supports all elements of education. Williams proposed spending $40 million in new federal dollars on three segments of the education system to provide all children the opportunity to receive a world-class education. One-third of the funds would be used for traditional public schools, including transforming 15 of the district's lowest-performing schools into quality schools at the rate of five schools per year and creating neighborhood centers at schools to provide student counseling, after-school care, and parents' health screenings and literacy training. Schools with high student-achievement levels would receive more autonomy and low-performing schools would receive more assistance. Another one-third of the funds would support charter schools that are ideally suited to provide alternative education settings for at-risk and special education students. The final one-third of the funds would provide scholarships for low-income students to attend private schools. Williams said the scholarship program would not remove funds from public schools; instead the system would gain $13 million under this plan. According to the mayor, the current education governance system comprised of the mayor, the council, the board of education and the school superintendent is not working well and should be restructured because no entity alone is accountable for the entire system. He will propose legislation giving the mayor authority to appoint, with council confirmation, a chancellor of education who would be held accountable for education system results. The state education office would set goals for schools, provide needed assistance and report results. The mayor and the council would be responsible for requiring the district to live with fiscal constraints and comply with citizens' priorities. The board of education's role would be to speak for citizens. The chancellor would be given full responsibility for day-to-day operations, including budgeting and policymaking, and report to the mayor and council. Williams said increased funding and a new governance structure is not enough to change the education system without public involvement. He suggested college students serve as tutors and mentors, businesses and government agencies adopt schools, parents engage with their students and schools, and foundations assist in eliminating achievement gaps.
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Florida. Governor Bush commended the Legislature for its leadership in reforming Florida education. The state's A+ Reforms raise student achievement expectations and hold schools accountable for achieving them. Fourth-grade students have shown marked improvement in the NAEP reading test scores. Graduation rates have improved for all racial groups of students. More limited English proficient students and disabled students received some type of high school diploma. The state's voluntary, universal pre-K program begins next year, and the governor asked the Legislature to provide resources to train 9,600 early learning professionals and create the framework for a high-quality early literacy program. Bush asked the Legislature to support the Middle Grades Reform Act that includes funding for reading coaches in half of the state's middle schools, starting with the lowest-performing schools. He proposed to continue fully funding the School Recognition Program that acknowledges schools' efforts to improve student achievement. The College Board Partnership, charged with improving access to postsecondary education, has demonstrated results, including increased numbers of students taking advanced placement courses and the practice SAT exam. The College Board provides professional development to help teachers identify promising students and steer them to more advanced curriculum. Based on the proven success of the College Board Partnership, the governor requested the program be made permanent by enacting legislation. Bush's proposed increased budget appropriations for state community colleges and universities will help them meet the demands on the higher education that result from an improved K-12 education system.
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Georgia. Governor Perdue introduced his education package, "GeorgiaLearns.com," designed to motivate students, parents and educators to meet higher levels of achievement and accountability. Part of the education package is a Web site that includes information and tools to support the plan. The Office of School Readiness will transform into the "Bright from the Start, Georgia's Office of Early Care and Education" and coordinate early learning efforts, including pre-K programs and Bright Start, ensuring every child is ready to start kindergarten. To keep the best teachers in the classroom, the governor's budget proposes salary increases for teachers, including veteran teachers. He wants to create better learning environments and have teachers receive the respect they deserve. Perdue proposed disruptive students who don't respect their teachers and fellow students lose their driving licenses so they learn to value the learning environment. The governor wants to promote greater accountability by giving schools and districts flexibility to meet high standards with the reward being even greater flexibility when standards are met. To inspire educators and students instead of punishing them, he proposed replacing letter grades with numerical scores so continuous improvement can be measured. The governor's budget also includes $62 million for financial relief for the poorest school districts. Perdue reassured parents and students that HOPE Scholarships will continue. He wants to redefine the scholarship qualifications to include SAT scores to motive students to study harder to prepare for the tests and for postsecondary education. The governor wants to invest in the workforce by providing funds for school construction and improvements, and expansion, improvements and equipment for technical colleges.
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Hawaii. Governor Lingle said education is her highest priority because it is the key to success for individuals, families and society. High-quality teachers are important to children's academic success, and the governor's proposed budget includes funds to pay national board certified teachers an additional $5,000 per year. The proposed budget also includes $90 million for repair and maintenance of school facilities. Hawaii ranks 14th in the nation for financial support of public education, but students' performance levels consistently rank at the bottom of the states. The governor's Citizens Achieving Education Reform in Education (CARE) committee, supported by other consultants and reports, concluded the single statewide board of education is ineffective and recommended the governance system be restructured to create local boards of education. The department of education staff increased 96% during the past 30 years while student enrollment remained stable. Lingle asked legislators to support a constitutional amendment, similar to the 2000 amendment that passed the Legislature but did not reach the ballot, allowing voters to decide on the November ballot if they want to establish local school boards. Based on CARE's recommendations, the governor's proposed budget mandates 90% of education operating funds go directly to schools instead of using the department of education's current allocation system where only 50% of the funding reaches schools. Other recommendations of the education reform plan are giving principals more authority to serve as leaders and holding them accountable for results; creating a Statewide Education Standards and Accountability Commission, charged with maintaining high standards and ensuring fair allocation of funds among schools; lifting the cap on new charter schools and providing adequate funding for all public school operations and facilities; and increasing funds for school security guards to ensure safe learning environments while giving teachers more authority to remove disruptive students from classrooms. Lingle proposed implementing after-school programs for middle school students to address drug and alcohol problems. She wants reform initiatives to begin by fall 2005 and fully in place by fall 2006. In response to critics who suggest reform is moving too rapidly, the governor says Hawaiians have waited too long for education improvement. While Lingle's primary focus is on K-12 education, she supports improvements in postsecondary education, including financial commitments to a new medical school and library, the Academy of Creative Media and community college construction-related apprenticeship programs. An improved K-12 education system will increase student access to Hawaii and other states' higher education systems.
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Idaho. Governor Kempthorne commended the Legislature on work accomplished last year, including accelerating construction of postsecondary facilities to stimulate the economy. In spite of last year's difficult economy, public school funding increased while requiring additional accountability for education dollars. The governor highlighted some of the state's education accomplishments: statewide standards for math, reading and language arts; the Idaho Standards Achievement Tests (ISAT) beginning with the class of 2006; and advancement in efforts to have students reading at level by grade 3 through the Idaho Reading Initiative. Idaho will launch the Idaho Student Information Management System (ISIMS), funded with the support of the Albertson Foundation, allowing parents and teachers to track student achievement and attendance. Kempthorne acknowledged the work of the state board of education in aggressively implementing the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The governor reiterated his support for charter schools and his willingness to challenge the education system to provide a sound education for students as required by the state constitution. He stated Idaho is one of two states that have adopted the American Board Certification for Teacher Excellence allowing qualified individuals to use their skills in the classroom to benefit students. Legislation enacted several years ago enabled seven local school districts to partner with the state to improve or replace school facilities. Kempthorne already informed postsecondary institutions to expect this year's budget to provide only increased funding for salaries and benefits, and stable funding for other items. The proposed budget contains money for Idaho scholarship programs, and financial aid for members of the National Guard and recruits seeking higher education degrees. The governor noted education remains the top priority, receiving 63% of state tax dollars.
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Illinois. Governor Blagojevich said Illinois must reform the education system if they want better schools and higher student achievement. Steps must be taken to ensure that more than the current 46 cents of every education tax dollar reaches the classroom. The governor asked the Legislature to create a state department of education to operate the state's education system, replacing the Illinois State Board of Education that was created by the Illinois Constitutional Convention in 1970 as an independent body to govern public education. The department would be accountable to the governor, the Legislature and citizens. The state board of education would have the role of developing long-term ideas and researching national best practices. He outlined seven specific reforms needed to transform the education system: (1) reduce regulations governing education; (2) create regional service centers to provide administrative services; (3) consolidate the purchase and administration of employee benefits; (4) help schools to reduce capital construction costs; (5) consolidate school districts' purchasing power; (6) streamline applications for state funding; and (7) save money by reducing the management structure of the state board of education. Recovered funds should be directed to classrooms. Blagojevich proposed a number of new programs. Early literacy would be supported by providing every child with a dictionary and one book a month until they start kindergarten, and then they would receive a library card. Reading specialists should be assigned to schools where students are not reading at grade level. The Project Success program, created by Governor Edgar, would be reinstituted to bring together parents, community leaders and other citizens to identify local education needs and how to meet them. The governor proposed legislation requiring all elementary school teachers to complete 50% of their certification renewal requirements on activities and courses that focus on teaching reading. Teachers' time should be used to teach children and for professional development, not on paperwork. He supports the creation of an independent teacher certification board to help teachers focus on appropriate professional development. Blagojevich announced a task force to develop an alternative career path for teachers. The governor wants schools to help children become more healthy and focused by eliminating junk food in school vending machines, providing free breakfasts for low-income children, denying schools' requests to waive physical education, and building play areas in new schools. He proposed legislation requiring 40 hours of community service for high school graduation to help students develop good character and an understanding of citizenship responsibilities. A new program called GRADS would be created to support school dropouts as they move into careers through programs such as tech prep. Reforming the state board of education is the most important step Illinois can take to reform public education.
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Indiana. Governor Kernan said the state's economic success depends on the continued collaboration between postsecondary institutions and business transforming research and technology into new jobs and products. Reading and math scores are improving, and more students are attending college, due in part to Indiana raising academic standards and improving school accountability. The governor proposed creating the Early Learning Trust to provide access to voluntary full-day kindergarten for all children by 2007. He asked the Legislature to provide funding for 20,000 additional children to attend full-day kindergarten by this fall. The state should develop early learning pilot programs for at-risk children, preparing them to reach their full potential in later years. Kernan has identified resources to fund this initiative without raising taxes, and the initiative will result in reduced future costs for welfare, special education and the criminal system.
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Iowa. Governor Vilsack said it is the duty of the governor and the Legislature to advocate for educators because textbooks and supplies mean little without high-quality teachers. They also should advocate for higher education to ensure there are adequate funds to maintain high-quality faculty without pricing students out of postsecondary education with increasing tuitions. The governor made it clear there are currently not adequate state revenues to fund all levels of education and provide all children with high-quality education opportunities. As a means of increasing revenue, he proposed modernizing the sales tax system by expanding the services subject to taxation. Vilsack proposed taxing services such as consulting, accounting and engineering, while systematically reducing the tax rate over the next four years, resulting in increased revenues spread more broadly, at a lower rate, among all Iowans. This proposed revenue change would provide for an additional $131 million in school support. The increased funding would restore funds cut from last year's budget; allow the continuation and expansion of the two-year-old teacher compensation-student achievement effort; provide state incentives for school districts to reduce administration costs; and redirect funds to teacher compensation and professional development. Efforts to reduce class size, improve reading and prevent dropouts would continue and new efforts could begin on reducing the minority students' achievement gap. Increased revenues also would provide funds for early learning programs to ensure children are ready to start school. Postsecondary education would benefit from increased revenues with community colleges receiving increased state aid and universities receiving full funding for faculty. Additional tuition assistance would be available for Iowa Tuition Grant recipients and for National Guard members. The governor will propose legislation holding schools and educators accountable for preventing bullying and harassment in schools, ensuring students have a safe environment in which to learn.
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Kansas. Governor Sebelius reported participants of her Education Task Force said maintaining and improving education equality is the most important task for Kansas. Years of inadequate increases of base funding for education is impacting the quality of education, and it is time to reverse that trend. Teachers are leaving the state because of inadequate salaries and health benefits. Student achievements gaps are growing. The governor is offering two budget proposals to the Legislature - one that maintains the status quo and one that moves the Kansas education system toward one that is second to none. Sebelius' proposed Education First Plan provides an additional $300 million for education over a three-year period. Early learning programs help children succeed in school and later in their careers, and reduces future spending on remedial education and juvenile programs to help at-risk youth. The governor proposes spending $10 million for Smart Start programs to better prepare children for school. The state will help districts fund all-day kindergarten under the Education First Plan. With increased funding will come new accountability measures, and the Education First Plan proposes a school audit team in the Division of the Budget to help school districts use available resources more efficiently so more dollars reach the classroom. Her proposed budget also corrects Kansas' failure to provide the financial support necessary for postsecondary institutions to retain key faculty and limit tuition increases. A 21st Century economy requires 21st Century skills, so the education system must be strengthened to support a strong economy. Kansas must fix its education system, not just because the court says so, but because it is the right thing to do and inequities in the education system are unfair to Kansas children.
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Kentucky. Governor Fletcher said the top priority is creating new economic opportunities that includes ensuring children receive an education that provides 21st Century skills. The governor commended the improvements made in education over the past years and the teachers who have been a part of it. Literacy is the major issue currently facing the state's education system, and reading is the foundation of learning and life success. He plans to move forward with the "Read to Achieve" program, ensuring every child can read at level by the end of grade 3. Minority communities face the problem of minority 4th-grade students reading at the novice level at a rate twice as high as non-minority students. The First Lady will concentrate her efforts on promoting "Read to Achieve." Higher education and the rest of state government will be asked to make financial sacrifices in the short term. Fletcher said, however, he is aware of and supports the essential role of postsecondary education, noting it brings high tech and research to the state, while preparing students for careers.
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Louisiana.
No state of the state address is scheduled.
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Maine. Governor Baldacci recognized the University of Maine for using $10 million in bond money to leverage $40 million in research funds, helping students and faculty to start several companies. The governor asked the university to create a center on tourism and to work with community colleges to develop degree programs in hospitality and tourism to support the state's economy. Last year the Legislature and the governor created the community college system to make postsecondary opportunities more affordable. Promising results from this effort include an 18% increase in community college enrollment, a 26% increase in students moving directly from high school to community college, retraining 1,000 dislocated workers and a 22% increase in community college students continuing their education to pursue a four-year degree. He announced a goal of increasing the number of high school students who attend college from 55% to 70%. A pilot project called the "Early College" program involving the community college system and 25 high schools will target students who weren't planning to attend college. During their senior year, these students will receive two free classes at a community college. They will receive help with applying for college admission and financial aid. Of the 200 targeted students, 100 will receive a $2,000 scholarship to cover 50% of the tuition for a community college two-year program. Baldacci proposed expanding the laptop computer program that currently provides laptops for all 7th- and 8th-grade students to include all high school students, starting with 9th graders next year. The laptops would be available for parents' use and the Departments of Education and Labor would create computer-accessed worker-training programs. The governor asked Maine's education leaders to work together to create a seamless K-20 education system. He will propose legislation based on his Task Force for Education Efficiency's recommendations, including creating regional cooperatives and regional school districts with state funding to encourage collaboration, and providing essential programs and student services in a cost-effective manner to relieve property taxes.
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Maryland. Governor Ehrlich said to serve Maryland's citizens the Legislature should focus on his administration's priorities: education excellence, fiscal responsibility, health and the environment, public safety and commerce. While practicing fiscal responsibility and reducing the deficit, the governor proposed growing K-12 education funding by a record $326 million to ensure local school systems have equal opportunities for education excellence. Ehrlich asked the Legislature to pass a bill establishing a Video Lottery Terminals program to provide additional K-12 revenue. He said Maryland has the resources to become the technology leader of the nation through its highly educated workforce, postsecondary education institutions and research facilities.
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Massachusetts. Governor Romney announced the "Legacy of Learning" initiative, a comprehensive effort to prepare children for a competitive society. The initiative is designed to provide support for the bottom tenth of school districts that educate one-third of the state's children. The governor outlined six key aspects of the program: (1) state-funded full-day kindergarten in every district that doesn't already have it; (2) an additional $20 million for after-school and summer-school programs for low-performing students; (3) a mandatory parent preparation course to teach parents how to support their children in school; (4) $5 million for discipline programs tailored for chronically disruptive students, so they don't hinder other students' learning; (5) $3 million to train, recruit and support math and science teachers; and (6) the authority for principals to hire and fire teachers. Romney asked the Legislature to support a construction and financing program to expedite building and remodeling schools. He wants to reform the state's construction and bidding regulations to reduce school construction costs. The "Legacy for Learning" initiative includes funding for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Program, named after the author of the Massachusetts Constitution, to improve access to postsecondary education. Scholarship recipients who score in the top 25% of those taking the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System test would receive four years of free tuition at state postsecondary institutions. Students scoring in the top 10% would receive $2,000 per year for fees, in addition to free tuition. Romney's proposed budget will increase K-12 education funding by over $100 million and the higher education funding by more than $70 million. Funding for these increases would come from eliminating waste in government.
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Michigan. Governor Granholm said part of Michigan's plan for economic growth includes focusing on things that matter to citizens such as education. Businesses want people equipped with the skills necessary for the 21st Century economy. Education begins at birth and in response to the governor's request last year to help children realize their potential, Michigan foundations and corporations and immediate school districts made Michigan R.E.A.D.Y. (Read, Education and Develop Youth Program) kits available to all babies born in the state, giving parents information about being their child's first teacher. Child care centers are reading to children at least 30 minutes per day to comply with a regulation created last fall, and Granholm called for strengthening standards to improve active learning at child care centers. High standards and quality teachers help students reach high performance levels and the department of education's new Principal's Academy will help principals meet the challenges of high standards. In-school Family Resource Centers created at 20 high-priority elementary schools support families by identifying and preventing problems that impact children's ability to learn. The governor proposed opening 20 additional resource centers, moving the centers from a pilot project to a regular program. She asked the intermediate school districts to create "Learn to Earn" centers to give school dropouts the knowledge and skills they need to success. Granholm proposed raising the bar for high academic achievers. Beginning with the 2005-06 school year, Michigan Merit Award Scholarship recipients will be required to complete 40 hours of community service prior to high school graduation as well as demonstrate academic ability on the MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment System) test. The governor asked postsecondary institutions to help make higher education accessible by keeping tuition rates affordable in spite of tight budgets. To help fill state workforce needs, she proposed zero-interest loans for public university students pursuing engineering technology degrees beginning in the next academic year, with the zero-interest rate continuing for as long as they study and work in Michigan.
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Minnesota. Governor Pawlenty said his agenda focuses on education, jobs, health care and quality of life. Minnesota has a long-standing tradition of having good schools and great educators. The Profiles of Learning have been replaced with high learning standards. In spite of last year's budget deficit, the state maintained per-pupil funding for K-12 classrooms. Minnesota formerly was considered a leader in education innovation and the state needs to return to that mode of thinking. Reform efforts should target education finance first because the present system does not promote accountability and is not based on the actual cost of educating a child. The per-pupil funding formula has drastic impacts on rural districts with declining enrollments. The governor's task force on education finance reform is due to release its recommendations soon and he looks forward to working with the Legislature to revamp the education finance system to better serve children. Discussions on accountability and performance should begin with parental involvement because the amount of time parents spend on their children's education has a bigger impact on student achievement levels than student-to-teacher ratios. Initiatives being considered to improve Minnesota education are paying great teachers more for performance, suspending drivers' licenses from students who skip classes too often, creating accountability report cards for parents and the community, making Internet access more affordable for rural schools, and expanding charter schools. Minnesota needs to ensure the higher education system is run in the most efficient manner to meet future needs. The Citizens League will lead an effort to address postsecondary education alignment and capabilities. The governor asked the Legislature to approve a bonding measure supporting research collaboration between the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic that will target the field of bioscience.
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Mississippi. Governor Barbour said a skilled workforce is one of the most important factors for job creation. Currently more than 80% of the state's workforce do not have college degrees and more than 10 state agencies have workforce development responsibilities. The governor wants to consolidate the workforce development efforts of the Workforce Investment Board and the State Board of Community and Junior Colleges. Community colleges have a proven track record for tailoring training to meet specific needs that create jobs, and they are willing to take on more workforce training responsibilities. Education is critical for economic development, and Barbour joins the Legislature in making education funding a priority. The largest funding increase in his proposed budget would restore some of the previous reductions in higher education allocations, and support university and community college workforce development and research of marketplace products and services. Teacher recruitment requires more than proposed teacher salary increases, which the governor supports, to meet the state's need for educators. He wants to expand the Mississippi Teacher Shortage Act of 1998 to include out-of-state students attending Alabama institutions, who are willing to stay and teach in Mississippi. He also wants to expand the program to include students in fields other than education, using the example of a chemistry major who would be willing to teach in the Mississippi Delta. Other ways Barbour proposed meeting the state's need for qualified teachers are expanding alternative certification to attract people to a teaching career and stopping teachers from resigning from public school teaching after 28 years because of the current pension system. The governor looks forward to working with the senate and house education committee chairs to reform the charter school law to allow innovation and provide more school choice. He recognized discipline as being a problem in schools and wants to reestablish discipline in all schools. Technology should be used more effectively to teach children and provide them with the skills needed for the 21st Century workforce. Barbour is willing to support the education system financially but expects to see results reflected in student achievement. The governor plans to work with the department of education to increase parental involvement in their children's education because it makes a big difference in students' educational success.
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Missouri. Governor Holden reminded the Legislature that last year they cut the education budget for the first time in the state's history by overriding his vetoes, impacting the future of Missouri's education unless funding is restored. Investments made in education over the last decade had produced results: 8th-grade math scores were above the national average, reading proficiency was improving, ACT scores were rising, 176 schools were classified as schools of distinction, more students took a rigorous curriculum, the number of nationally certified teachers doubled and report cards were holding schools accountable. Budget reductions are already having consequences: tuition increased up to 20%, 1,400 teachers lost their jobs, kindergarten classes have 30 or more students and alternative schools for disruptive students closed leading to higher dropout rates. The governor said the budget cuts caused the courts to be brought back into the schools because state constitutional obligations are not being met. Budget cuts also have caused local property tax increases and forced some communities to close schools. Holden said he would not be satisfied until education funding is restored because he has an obligation to the state's children. The governor proposed additional revenues to adequately fund education without a general tax increase that will be generated from cigarette and casino tax increases, closing corporate loopholes, and placing a small tax surcharge on 1.4% of the state's wealthiest citizens.
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Montana.
No state of the state address is scheduled.
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Nebraska. Governor Johanns said education reform is one of his five goals for improving Nebraska's future. Even though the state ranks sixth in the nation on the percentage of state and local budgets spent on education, the state faces litigation challenging the way education funds are distributed among school districts. The governor supports LB 698, proposed by Senator Raikes and the Education Committee, that makes changes in the way the cost of educating low-income students and limited English proficient students is addressed. The proposed legislation also deals with issues raised by districts on grade weighting, cost allowances and adjusted valuations of the existing funding formula. He asked school districts to participate in discussions on meeting current education funding needs. Johanns will sign LB 698 if it is approved by the Legislature.
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Nevada.
No state of the state address is scheduled.
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New Hampshire. Governor Benson said education must change to support children's aspirations and allow parents to have input on their children's education. New Hampshire has increased education funding and student-to-teacher ratios have decreased, but student achievement levels have not improved. The state needs a five-year education plan, which allows schools and districts to plan for the future rather than dealing with the uncertainties of two-month funding plans. The governor supports new ways of enhancing education quality, including charter school and school vouchers. He wants the state board of education to stop micromanaging the education system and permit schools to make decisions such as whether pop machines should be allowed in high schools. Educators should be allowed to be innovative in educating children. With the support of the state's business sector, Benson distributed laptop computers to six schools, enabling teachers and students to use new methods for learning. The governor recognizes some students have special needs and wants to ensure students are identified accurately so they receive the assistance necessary to learn. He also wants to avoid mislabeling students that could result in them not reaching their full potential. Benson is forming the Limitless Learning task force, charged with looking at ways to ensure proper identification of special education students.
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New Jersey. Governor McGreevey acknowledged some achievements of the education system: students' reading and math scores among the highest in the nation; high standards for teachers and partnerships with business to create incentives for national certification; reading coaches in schools helping 50,000 students improve their reading; the Governor's Reading Club expanded to include 6th grade; school facilities built and fixed; middle school teachers proficient in the subjects they teach; and a law to make school safer from bullying. The governor wants a program developed that uses distance learning and college credit for apprenticeship programs to provide job training for hard-to-reach people. He asked the public research universities to eliminate barriers limiting research and teaching opportunities needed in New Jersey. The governor proposed Invocation Zones around universities to facilitate collaboration with business to move research discoveries to the marketplace. McGreevey asked the Legislature to support proposed legislation that would provide 16 hours of "Kid Time" to working parents so they don't have to choose between taking time off from work and attending teacher conferences. The governor proposed a partnership among the state, the private sector, the education system and the community to fund and operate after-school programs from three- to six- o'clock ensuring children are in a safe and productive environment until their parents return home from work. This effort, called "New Jersey after 3," would be the first state-sponsored nonprofit corporation to address the after-school issue. He wants 20,000 children enrolled in this program by the next school year. McGreevey proposed finding ways to use education property taxes more efficiently, including eliminating the 23 school districts that have no schools; requiring the 172 one-building school districts to consolidate services; and establishing a rewards and sanction system and performance grants to limit administrative and non-instructional costs while improving student performance.
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New Mexico. Governor Richardson said education would continue to be the top priority of his administration. He thanked the Legislature for working with him to get voter approval of last year's education amendments. The governor proposed a pilot program providing laptop computers to 700 students and 80 teachers, eventually expanding to include all 7th-grade students. All teachers would be trained how to use computers and the Internet to teach their subject areas. Richardson wants to develop an early learning program. His education goals are: improve test scores, have high-quality teachers in every classroom, increase graduation rates, and use education funding efficiently and wisely. The governor's education plan includes retaining qualified teachers, implementing statewide full-day kindergarten and reforming resource centers to adequately meet students' social needs so teachers can concentrate on teaching. Richardson's proposed budget includes new education dollars worth $90 million with 50% of these new funds committed to improving teacher quality and teacher compensation. Forty-six million dollars from the state's general funds will be used for basic school costs. An additional $44 million in Education Reform Funds would be dedicated to key initiatives, including implementing the first and second tiers of a teacher licensure system, increasing the number of American Indian educators to strengthen Indian education, strengthening rural education, expanding the state's accountability system, and reducing student truancy and dropouts. The remaining Education Reform Funds would be reserved to complete implementation of the teacher licensure system and for future reforms, thus complying with voters' wishes to use reform funds wisely. The governor proposed a one-time 4% bonus for K-12 licensed personnel and a one-time 2% bonus for other education employees. After a department of education performance audit is completed, Richardson will work to make these raises permanent. To put charter schools on a more equal basis with other public schools, he proposed allocating additional resources for charter schools, including $27 million for capital costs and to create a charter-vocational school. The governor's goals for higher education are to maintain affordability, develop a coordinated K-20 education system, link performance and funding, and strengthen plans for campus' infrastructures. He wants to limit tuition increases to 3%, while maintaining current financial aid programs and expanding the lottery scholarship program for low-income students. Richardson proposed fully funding the new higher education funding formula and providing a one-time 4% bonus for faculty and a one-time 2% bonus for other postsecondary employees.
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New York. Governor Pataki said New York invests more funds per student than any other state, and everyone must work together to make the state's public education system the best in the nation. He established the Commission of Education Reform to create a new school aid funding formula and develop far-reaching changes in the education system to ensure all children have an opportunity for receiving a first-class education. The governor's guiding principles for education reform are: (1) replace the state's archaic system of education finance with a new fair, sustainable and understandable formula; (2) focus resources, as they become available, on New York City and other high-need school districts; (3) stop the "Robin Hood" approach to school finance - taking resources from one school district to meet the needs of another district; (4) recognize the current fiscal challenges facing the state and build a consensus on a multiyear commitment of resources to ensure the reform efforts are sustainable; and (5) link finance reform to other system wide education reforms ensuring more funds are spent in the classroom and there is accountability for how the funds are used to help children learn. To build on the success of previous postsecondary education reforms that produced increased student enrollment and minority student participation, Pataki proposed increased funding for building and repairing public postsecondary education facilities and for a new capital initiative that includes independent colleges and universities. This year the governor will establish a High Tech Council comprised of academic and business leaders to enhance the Centers of Excellence associated with various universities that are advancing research and product development to support the state's economy. He also wants to impose new penalties for crimes committed on school grounds to ensure safety at schools, college campuses and day care facilities.
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North Carolina.
No state of the state address is scheduled.
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North Dakota. Governor Hoeven reported on the Centers of Excellence that were created at several universities to merge the resources of the university system with economic development to create better-paying jobs and new career paths. The governor proposed investing $50 million to create additional centers, with the roles and missions determined by North Dakota citizens, to support economic growth in the state. The funding would come from current state revenues and financing that is affordable within current economic development expenditures. The Centers of Excellence would strengthen ties with college students and encourage them to remain in North Dakota after graduation through the "Opportunities 2020" internship program that would provide experience and career opportunities. The state must maintain its world-class education system to sustain a world-class economy. This requires high-quality teachers. Hoeven proposed a major change in education funding three years ago that resulted in almost $75 million in new funding for K-12 education that was used to increase teacher compensation and improve funding equity. The governor proposed an additional $75 million be allocated for K-12 education over the next four years, with the majority of these funds being used to continue improving teacher compensation. The balance of the additional funds would be used to increase payments to property-poor school districts to provide further funding equity.
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Ohio. Governor Taft's top priority this year is creating jobs for Ohioans. The universities and businesses are collaborating to create new products and services through research. A world-class workforce requires high academic standards to ensure high school graduates are prepared for careers. Ohio received high ratings for its standards and accountability systems and for making efforts to improve teacher quality. The governor urged the Legislature to enact SB 2, giving teachers the support they need. He looks forward to receiving the school funding task force's recommendations. Ohio has taken measures that encourage more students to obtain a postsecondary education, which is necessary to create a highly skilled workforce. The enacted legislation creating tuition tax deductions is saving students money, and the College Access Network provides information explaining a postsecondary education is important and attainable. College enrollment is up and the Commission of Higher Education and the Economy is developing ways to help even more students attain higher levels of education. Taft proposed postsecondary education and business work together to increase college enrollment by 25% over the next 10 years.
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Oklahoma. Governor Henry highlighted some recent education accomplishments: placing an education lottery constitutional amendment before the voters in November that will provide additional education funds and prohibit lottery proceeds from being used as a reason to reduce school funding; funding the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) that provides college scholarships; and enacting the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Act that strengthens early learning education and increases access. Education is one of the key issues facing Oklahoma and having highly qualified teachers is a critical component of an education system. The state ranks top in the nation for teacher training, accountability and national board certification, but the state's teachers are underpaid and underappreciated. They receive nearly $4,000 less than the average regional salary, and average salaries rank near the bottom of the states. The governor proposed implementing a five-year plan to increase average teachers' salaries to exceed the regional average and beginning this year, paying all of the teachers' health insurance costs. Henry's proposed budget continues funding a $5,000 annual bonus for up to 10 years for teachers who receive national board certification. His proposed budget also restores funding for a teacher-mentoring program. The state's math test scores show middle school students need additional help, and the governor proposed establishing a summer program to improve teachers' math professional development program, including a $1,000 participant stipend. Henry proposed a $2 million allocation for expanding the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness to rural areas of the state and an additional $15 million for the child care Reaching for the Stars program. The governor recommended fully funding OHLAP to ensure scholarships for all eligible students. To further support higher education, his proposed budget includes funding to eliminate the backlog of endowed chairs.
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Oregon. Governor Kulongoski said Oregon's future prosperity would be built on an interconnectedness of education, the economy and a quality of life. There should be a system of lifelong learning that encompasses pre-K, K-12 and postsecondary education that is built on excellence, high standards and opportunities, including technical and professional training in high school, workforce development and a network of community colleges and universities. He praised the theory of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, but said fiscally strapped states need a strong federal partner in order to meet the act's high standards. Kulongoski suggested the nation should have a Marshall Plan for K-16 education that would focus investments and vision on children and education. The governor will continue funding SMART, which provides opportunities for adults to read to children and help prepare them for school. Oregon public schools are still performing well: the state consistently ranks first or second in SAT scores; the state's dropout rate is declining; the achievement gap is decreasing; 60-70% of high school students take curriculum that prepares them for college; and 80% of 3rd-grade students meet or exceed benchmarks. But the state cannot continue to cut its investment in education. Students deserve schools that are open the full term, have reasonable class sizes and offer a complete range of classes. Next year the governor plans to reintroduce legislation (SB 6) that was defeated by one vote during the last legislative session. This bill would stop school districts from purchasing health insurance separately as a way of finding resources to fund additional school days. Kulongoski will make higher education a top priority to reverse the trend that has resulted in tuition increases, program reductions and faculty loses. He recently overhauled the Oregon Board of Higher Education, charging them with finding ways to spend less money on administration and more on improving quality in classrooms. The governor's proposal to provide opportunities for all eligible Oregonians to attend postsecondary education was rejected by the Legislature last year. He is asking the citizens to create a fund to support college access through a constitutional amendment.
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Pennsylvania.
No state of the state address is scheduled.
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Puerto Rico. Governor Calderon said the department of education changed during her administration and received a 17% appropriation's increase. Almost $5 million was spent purchasing new textbooks so children can take their books home for the first time in Puerto Rico. This semester 300,000 students will have Internet access through the use of 10,000 computers in their schools as compared to 3,000 students with Internet access in 2000. The governor proposed the Ethics and Value Course, developed in collaboration with civic and religious leaders, be expanded to reach all students in public schools to help prepare them for the future. Calderon wants The Open School Program - an extended-day program instrumental in improving achievement levels and reducing the dropout rate that allows children to learn music, art, dance and sports - to be expanded from 700 schools to 1,000 schools. Puerto Rico currently has 41 pre-technical schools preparing 18,000 students for the workforce - up from one school in 2000. She wants to open 20 additional pre-tech schools with a capacity of serving 5,000 additional students. The governor also proposed investing an additional $45 million to build and improve facilities at 366 schools.
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Rhode Island. Governor Carcieri outlined Pathways to Prosperity for Rhode Island that includes good schools. The state ranks 7th in the nation for elementary and secondary education spending while schools under-perform nationally and regionally. The governor highlighted some of the state's initiatives that have been implemented or are being considered to improve student achievement levels. They are (1) new reading and math standards for grades 1-8; (2) minimum standards for high school graduation; (3) higher standards for teacher certification and professional expertise; (4) teams of math and reading specialists to assist school districts with teacher training; (5) principal training and mentoring to provide new school leadership; and (6) longer school day in some districts to provide more student class time and teacher professional development time. Carcieri proposed allocating $1 million to challenge Providence high schools to the same challenge - receive $600,000 in state funding to improve student performance - piloted at Hope High School last year. He will propose legislation to remove the cap on the number of charter schools in the state and fully fund public charter schools. To improve school financial accountability, the governor will propose legislation requiring school committees to be accountable to local municipal governments. Rhode Island's spending on postsecondary education ranks 44th among states. Carcieri said economic development is tied to the quality of higher education, and the state should invest more money into developing research. He asked the commissioner of higher education to develop a five-year investment plan to expand scientific capability.
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South Carolina. Governor Sanford said international competition for jobs means the quality of the state's K-12 and postsecondary education system will determine South Carolina's ability to bring employment opportunities to the state. Last year in spite of a $350 million budget shortfall, education funding increased by $30 million. Over the past 30 years, K-12 education funding increased by 130%, but student performances are not demonstrating that investment. South Carolina's SAT scores are next to the lowest in the nation, the high school graduation rate is the nation's lowest with 49% of 9th-grade students not graduating in four years, none of the state's school districts met federal guidelines for adequate yearly progress, and one-third of 8th-grade students tested below the basic level on last year's Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests (PACT). Charter school reforms are being discussed, as are efforts to ensure education funding reaches the classroom. The governor plans to propose an education universal tax credit to provide parents with more education choices. Parental choice will improve school quality and provide a way to address rural school equity issues. Legislation already passed by the House of Representatives would give school districts more flexibility in how they spend money, instead of the current system that gives districts funding in 80 different categories. Sanford asked the Senate to approve this bill. The governor called for a statewide higher education vision backed by a governing board to ensure postsecondary funding is wisely spent, duplication is avoided, tuition costs are kept in check and higher education is accessible.
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South Dakota. Governor Rounds reported on the establishment of the Hagen-Harvey Memorial Scholarships to give American Indian young people an opportunity to access postsecondary education. The governor acknowledged high-levels of student achievement on NAEP tests and credited students, teaches, parents and legislators for placing an emphasis on education. He proposed legislation to delete school districts' general fund balance penalties, allowing districts to better plan for the future while providing students with the best education opportunities. Rounds reminded districts that the Legislature provides additional state funds every year to enable students to receive a high-quality education. The governor's proposed budget includes increased funds for university research and translating that research into more and higher-paying jobs. To support this effort, he recommended creating a state research and commercialization office that would open prior to the next school year. South Dakota should develop a policy for intellectual property that includes faculty incentives for doing job-creation research. A pilot program involving faculty and graduate students would be designed to move research ideas to the marketplace.
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Tennessee. Governor Bredesen declared education is the state's fundamental priority. To support this priority, the governor proposed spending new dollars and reallocated dollars from other areas on education, resulting in 25% of all new funds being spent on education. He wants to continue fully funding the basic education program. To recruit and retain qualified teachers, Tennessee must invest the funds necessary to make teachers' salaries competitive with regional compensation levels. The governor proposed spending $90 million on teacher salaries, including $35 million to reduce the disparity in salaries throughout the state. He wants $55 million to fund across-the-board salary increases for all teachers. If the Legislature approves the governor's proposed salary increases, the average Tennessee teachers' salary would exceed the Southeastern regional average by next year. Bredesen proposed seed-money for a new program, Teach Tennessee, that would encourage mid-career professionals to become teachers in rural and urban schools. An alternative teacher certification system would enable these professionals to voluntarily commit five to 10 years to helping children learn. The governor proposed using lottery funds that exceed the postsecondary education scholarship requirements to fund a pre-K program that prepares children to start school. Bredesen wants to expand the Imagination Library program that places one book a month in children's hands from birth until they start school to foster an interest in reading. He thinks it is important to financially support state-of-the-art technology in classrooms that will begin transforming education. The governor is again asking postsecondary education to make some budget cuts, although not to the extent as last year. To offset these reduced allocations, he recommends funding for campus maintenance repairs. Bredesen proposed public-private partnerships to fund new construction at higher education institutions.
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Texas.
No state of the state address is scheduled.
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Utah. Governor Walker said maintaining quality education is essential to Utah and she challenged educators, business and the public to become part of the solution for improving education. The state has spent less on per-pupil education funding than many other states, but students always had demonstrated high levels of achievement. That is no longer true - performance levels are declining. The governor recommended increased funding to cover the costs of additional students entering the system. Larger class sizes are not the solution to increased student enrollments. Teacher compensation must be increased. Utah has been working on developing a competency-based education plan, Performance Plus. Because of the cost of Performance Plus, education summit participants recommended implementation begin in the lower grades, concentrating on one subject area. Walker's proposed budget includes $30 million in new funds to begin implementation by focusing on kindergarten through grade 3 reading, ensuring every child can read at grade level. Volunteers have supported her "Read with a Child" initiative that promotes reading to a child for 20 minutes. Asian, Native American, Black, Hispanic and Pacific Islander minority councils made commitments to make literacy and education their top priority this year. Walker plans to bring business leaders and postsecondary institution presidents together to explore how to collaborate on moving research results from academia to the marketplace.
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Vermont. Governor Douglas said the state's economic and cultural success depends on the informed wisdom of its citizens, and the public education system must help increase that wisdom. It is the state's responsibility to ensure all students have equal education opportunities and to not create barriers that limit learning. The governor proposed a statewide K-12 public school choice program that would allow all students an opportunity to attend the school of their choice, regardless of their parents' income level. Vermont must allow equal access to the best education the public school system has to offer.
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Virginia. Governor Warner said the most important issue facing Virginia this legislative session is the state's long-term fiscal condition. The solutions to this issue will impact whether the state maintains high academic standards in schools and high-quality postsecondary education. If Virginia does not adequately fund K-12 education and with increasing student populations, the costs will be passed on to local communities in the form of higher property taxes. Without adequate postsecondary education funding and with more students wanting to attend college, tuitions will rise and the best faculty will be hired away by out-of-state institutions. The governor's proposed budget includes a $774 million increase for elementary and secondary education funding. A $144 million proposed funding increase for higher education would cover the state government's share of education costs and begin to correct past under-funding of postsecondary education. Warner will not accept a budget that fails to meets the state's education obligations. A growing economy and a quality workforce depends on a high-quality education system.
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Virgin Islands. Governor Turnbull said his top priority is the territory's education system. He commended efforts underway to achieve accreditation for public high schools. The Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools' accreditation reevaluation may take place as early as the end of 2004. (Source: Jeremy W. Peters, "State of the Territory Address: Turnbull Says Better Times Ahead for V.I. Economy," The Virgin Islands Daily News, January 27, 2004.
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Washington. Governor Locke said years of education reform are paying off as demonstrated by smaller classes, safe schools and higher student achievement. He proposed continuing this progress by refining the 2008 graduation requirements, redesigning support programs for under-achieving students, and making higher education more accessible. Learning begins at birth and to help children acquire the basic skills necessary to start school, the governor wants more and improved early education programs. Washington must help teachers by reducing the size of more classes, improving facilities, creating better learning environments, providing more professional development opportunities, and helping at-risk students who struggle with math, reading, science and writing. More Promise Scholarships and other financial aid should be available for students qualified for higher education so high tuition rates do not limit their opportunities. Locke proposed establishing the Washington Education Trust Fund to create a permanent, stable fund to support the world-class education system necessary to support a world-class economy.
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West Virginia. Governor Wise asked every state agency to prepare a budget with a 9% funding decrease. The education budget must reduce funding for school bureaucracy. West Virginia children receive a quality education, and the governor noted Education Week listed the state as one of the top in the nation in accountability and standards, teacher quality and school safety. The governor listed some education accomplishments, including students attending school 180 days, the safe school hotline staffed 24 hours a day, teacher compensation improvement in spite of the state's budget crisis, bonus pay increases for attaining national teacher certification, and the incremental salary cap lifted for some veteran teachers. He asked the Legislature to make teachers' jobs easier and more respected with the proposed Teacher Empowerment Act that would reduce required paperwork for all levels of educators. Wise wants to improve tracking of dangerous students to prevent enrollment at another school after being expelled. West Virginia has almost doubled funding for school construction. The governor wants to continue this effort by making more construction funds available for small schools and rural districts. Small schools must ensure students receive a high-quality education and spend less time traveling to and from school. Because investment in higher education is critical, Wise worked with postsecondary institutions to reallocate funds and make other fiscal changes that resulted in a 2.5% budget cut instead of the 9% reduction facing other departments. The governor proposed giving higher education institutions more flexibility, allowing them to find their own solutions to problems instead of holding them back with regulations. He asked the Legislature to approve the Higher Education Policy Commission's recommendation that four state colleges be given university status. Wise proposed establishing a stable, revenue stream to support research at universities. The governor supports the creation of a Distinguished Graduate Student Fellowship Program to keep more talented students in West Virginia. He wants to increase financial aid programs to improve access to postsecondary education.
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Wisconsin. Governor Doyle said Wisconsin must stay focused on education, which is one of the state's most important priorities. One-quarter of the state's four-year-old children are in kindergarten, but more communities should be involved in early education programs. The governor proposed creating Early Education Community Partnership Grants to help schools districts and communities implement four-year-old kindergarten programs. His basic goals for education are high-quality teachers in every classroom, small class sizes, high expectations and school roofs that don't leak. Doyle appointed a Task Force on Educational Excellence to examine education funding, support for special education, recruitment and retention of quality teachers, and equal opportunities for all children to learn. The governor wants literacy to be a main focus of education, providing every child with a chance to read. He supports efforts underway in the Legislature to increase teacher compensation because Wisconsin is below the national average in compensation, and it is important to have quality teachers to teach Wisconsin's children. Last year Doyle announced his Healthy Kids initiatives, including a focus of fitness in schools, an anti-tobacco campaign and school breakfast available to more students. The governor wants the breakfast program expanded to include more children. This year he announced a $10 million public-private partnership to improve children's health by placing fitness equipment in schools and improving physical education programs. Doyle asked the Legislature's help in working together to reform the school finance system to help hold down local property taxes.
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Wyoming. Governor Freudenthal noted state revenues are higher than anticipated, but warned the Legislature to allocate funds wisely because this situation may not continue. School construction has dominated the state agenda for several years and the governor recommended continuing with the existing construction plan in spite of the increased state revenues. Some of the increased revenue should be given to postsecondary institutions for their matching endowments. His proposed budget includes increased allocations to provide realistic compensation for university, community college and state agency employees. Freudenthal differs with the Joint Appropriations Committee on several university-related proposals, including the athletic facilities budget. The governor wants to appropriate $10 million in state funds to be matched by $10 million in university-generated, private funds, totaling $20 million for the facilities. The appropriations committee recommends appropriating $5 million and not allowing any private funding.
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