12/1/09 Governor Quinn Names Key P-20 Education Council

Governor Quinn Names Key Education Council
Race to the Top for Federal Funds Starts With New P-20 Panel



CHICAGO December 1, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today made 23 appointments to the P-20 Council, a key advisory panel that will make recommendations to the Governor about strengthening our education system. The P-20 (pre-school through graduate school) Council will play an instrumental role in Illinois quest to win approximately $400 million in federal Race to the Top discretionary funds.

With these appointments, Illinois is sending a strong signal to Washington that a top-notch education for all students is a foremost priority, said Governor Quinn. This council will recommend improvements that will make our education system the best it can be, while ensuring Illinois is at the head of the class when it comes to winning those important federal Race to the Top funds.

The U.S. Department of Education Race to the Top is a $4.35 billion competitive grant process focused on innovative approaches to education. Illinois could receive approximately $400 million in discretionary funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The 23 appointments made by the Governor include business leaders, teachers, parents, civic groups, university, community colleges and school officials. There are four legislative members on the council and six ex-officio members from state agencies. The appointments include Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle, who will serve as Chair. (Background Information)

The P-20 Council will bring a diverse group of accomplished individuals who will share information and ideas that will help our state develop educational strategies for the 21st Century, said Governor Quinn. That approach will be crucial to Illinois bid for federal Race to the Top funds.

Governor Quinn was joined by Dr. Chris Koch, Illinois State Board of Education Superintendent and a P-20 Council ex-officio member; Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago); and Rep. Jerry Mitchell (R-Sterling).

Governor Quinns appointments to the Illinois P-20 Council include:
Miguel del Valle, Chair
Joshua Anderson
Perry Buckley
Ron Bullock
Sharon Thomas Parrot
Debra Strauss Glenn Poshard
Ray Hancock
Ron Huberman
Dr. Erika Hunt
Debra Kasperski
Maggie Laslo John Luczak
Dea Meyer
Fr. Dennis Holtschneider
Jeff Owens
Cynthia Plouche
Laurel Prussing John Rico
Kathy Ryg
Audrey Soglin
Robin Steans
Rick Stephens

For more information on the P-20 Council, please visit Appointments.Illinois.gov.

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