November 14, 2003

CONGRESSMAN GREGORY W. MEEKS CALLS PUBLIC SCHOOL
PARENT COORDINATORS "PIONEERS"

Queens, NY - U.S. Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) delivered the keynote address at the New York public school's Parent Coordinator's Conference in Region 3 earlier today. This Conference was designed to reinforce the Parent Coordinator's support of the instructional vision, which is identified in the Children's First Plan. Centering his remarks on creating an atmosphere in which students can achieve academic success and bridging the gap between parents and school administration, Meeks declared, "Parent Coordinators are pioneers in the opening of a new frontier of public education in New York City."

In his remarks, Rep. Meeks shared his vision for improved public education, strongly expressing his desire to ensure that Sixth Congressional District residents are empowered. Education plus economics equals empowerment, emphasizing that this formula cannot be successfully applied without education and community participation. "It takes a village," he articulated, " which will enable our children to achieve their dreams and prepare them for the future."

Additionally, he conveyed his concern about the future of young people. Representative Meeks stated, "I represent you and the children you serve in the halls of Congress. I feel an obligation to all of the parents and students in my district, and I am committed to helping to create a better future for all who live in the Sixth Congressional District. Children are our most precious resource. In the basic sense, they are the future. What we do to educate our children is a reflection of what kind of future we want for our family, our community, and our country."

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