PRESS RELEASE -- June 28, 2007
Contact: Shannon Murphy, Strong American Schools
(202) 870-1093 – Cell
[email protected]
Candidates First Real Discussion of Education Shows Progress but More Work Needs To Be Done on Comprehensive Solutions
Washington, D.C. — Marc Lampkin, Executive Director for the Strong American Schools campaign, issued the following statement after some of the presidential candidates discussed their plans to improve America’s education system during tonight’s Democratic debate at Howard University:
“Tonight we got a first-look at what some of the presidential hopefuls would do to improve America’s public education system. However, much more needs to be done.
“If the candidates want to lead, they need to keep talking about education reform and debate common-sense priorities that hold tremendous promise for improving schools, including raising strong American education standards; making sure there is an effective teacher in every classroom; and providing more time and support for learning.
“These are the issues that the American people want addressed. A Pew Research Poll taken earlier this month found that education was in the top tier of issues concerning both Democrats and Republicans, and that roughly 3 out of 4 voters want more coverage of the candidates’ issue positions.
“The prospects of our nation and its children depend on the strength of our public schools so the sooner presidential candidates offer real solutions about America’s public education crisis, the better off we will be.”
Strong American Schools, a project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, is an unprecedented up to $60 million non partisan movement, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations and The Eli and Edythe Broad foundation, which calls on all presidential candidates to improve America’s public schools.
To join Strong American Schools’ “ED in 08” campaign and for more information about “ED in 08” events, log onto: EDin08.com.
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