Education committee to tour Mo.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.- The House Interim Committee on Education will begin a three-day statewide tour in September to give Missourians an opportunity to share their thoughts on the state's education system.

According to a news release issued by state Rep. Steve Cookson, R-Poplar Bluff and committee chairman, the tour will consist of three days of hearings in September and conclude with three days in October. A public hearing in Cape Girardeau at Southeast Missouri State University has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 23.

"We want this to be an all-inclusive dialogue that explores and discusses all the options that are on the table to improve our schools," Cookson said. "Our goal with every solution we discuss is to put the needs of students first and to ensure we are giving them the best possible chance to succeed in college and adulthood."

The committee held its first meeting in the state capitol last week to formalize its agenda for the tour. Members of the committee will next meet Sept. 23 for a public hearing in St. Charles, Mo.

Pertinent address:

State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO