Tuesday
Dec162008
Obama declines to comment on Blagojevich, names Education Secretary
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 12:28PM
President-elect Barack Obama declined to address recent allegations that Rahm Emanuel, the pick for White House Chief of Staff, presented embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich with a list of ‘acceptable’ candidates to replace Obama in the Senate.
“We’ve done a full review of this. The facts are going to be released next week. It would be inappropriate for me to comment,” said Obama during a press conference at Chicago’s Dodge Renaissance Academy.
Obama was similarly tight lipped over whether he would support a special election and stated that while he does not believe the Governor will be able to serve effectively, he will leave the decision to the State Legislature.
The President-elect also filled one his final high profile cabinet positions, nominating the head of the Illinois school system, Arne Duncan, as Education Secretary.
Obama touched upon Duncan’s reform credentials, explaining that the nominee improved teacher quality and rewarded school officials for gains in student achievements.
“He’s shut down failing schools and replaced their entire staffs – even when it was unpopular,” said Obama.
The President-elect linked an improvement in education with long term economic benefits.
“We cannot continue on like this. It is morally unacceptable for our children – and economically untenable for America. We need a new vision for a 21st century education system – one where we aren’t just supporting existing schools, but spurring innovation.”
“We’ve done a full review of this. The facts are going to be released next week. It would be inappropriate for me to comment,” said Obama during a press conference at Chicago’s Dodge Renaissance Academy.
Obama was similarly tight lipped over whether he would support a special election and stated that while he does not believe the Governor will be able to serve effectively, he will leave the decision to the State Legislature.
The President-elect also filled one his final high profile cabinet positions, nominating the head of the Illinois school system, Arne Duncan, as Education Secretary.
Obama touched upon Duncan’s reform credentials, explaining that the nominee improved teacher quality and rewarded school officials for gains in student achievements.
“He’s shut down failing schools and replaced their entire staffs – even when it was unpopular,” said Obama.
The President-elect linked an improvement in education with long term economic benefits.
“We cannot continue on like this. It is morally unacceptable for our children – and economically untenable for America. We need a new vision for a 21st century education system – one where we aren’t just supporting existing schools, but spurring innovation.”
Education Secretary: $100 Billion For Education Might Not Be Enough
Education Secretary Arne Duncan touched upon the $100 billion that has been provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for education Monday at the Conressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 2009 Public Policy Conference, stating “While the money might not be enough, and money alone is not the answer, it doesn’t hurt to have $100 billion dollars."
The Secretary added that there are many urgent challenges facing education reform, but that he is optimistic over the future of the U.S. school system.
“We have a tall and ambitious agenda”, said Duncan. “We need to dramatically increase access [to education] and make sure it’s quality access... not just glorified babysitting."
Secretary Duncan proposed the U.S. invest in early childhood education, adding “It’s the best investment you can make."
Duncan also suggested the U.S. recognize talent in the education field by rewarding and shining a spotlight on great teachers, mentors and also principals. The Secretary also outlined his goal to cut drop out rates in underserved communities.