November 02, 2006

Graves Talks with Educators
Congressman convenes Education Coalition

LIBERTY – U.S. Congressman Sam Graves hosted his Education Coalition today at Blue Springs High School. The advisory group talked with the Congressman about issues such as No Child Left Behind and teacher loan forgiveness. Graves reiterated his commitment to educating our children.

“Our children are our link to the future,” said Graves. “Whenever I think about what is possible with our children, I know the sky is the limit. It is up to us to make sure they reach that potential.”

Graves’ Education Coalition is made up of administrators, teachers and education representatives from schools across the 26-county Sixth Congressional District. The council advises the Congressman on issues relating education. Graves talked about the upcoming reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act.

“This initiative has been the biggest education reform effort in 40 years,” said Graves. “The law is a good law, but it can always be improved. The No Child Left Behind legislation is a work in progress. But make no mistake---we are making progress.”

Another topic of discussion was teacher loan forgiveness – a provision recently passed by Congress and the signed into law by the President. The legislation would provide highly qualified teachers that commit to teaching in poor and rural schools with up to $17,500 in student loan relief. Teachers would have to commit to five years of teaching before they become eligible for the loan reimbursement package.

“It’s extremely important to provide small and rural school districts this tool in order to attract highly qualified teachers,” said Graves.

Graves’ Education Coalition meets twice annually to discuss federal legislation and other important issues within the education system.