Warner plugs education reform package
By Kara Rowland | September 8, 2003Speaking to a standing-room only crowd in the Newcomb Hall Art Gallery, Gov. Mark R. Warner came to the University Friday afternoon to advance his Education for a Lifetime Initiative. In a six-point reform package, Warner addressed statewide issues of teacher retention, workforce and career preparedness for high school seniors, increased economic development and accountability in public education and higher quality child care. Acknowledging what he referred to as the "worst fiscal crisis in 50 years," Warner emphasized the importance of securing adequate funding for education. "Every state is going through a fiscal challenge, let me tell you," he said, adding that Virginia was one of only a few states that "didn't cut a single dollar from education." Warner said his budget for the next biennium will satisfy the state Board of Education's recommendations to increase education funds by $525 million to meet its Standards of Quality.
