Nixon touts education during junior high visit

In a speech to Central Junior High School students, Gov. Jay Nixon praised the school for its strong academic performance and said he hoped to see the state continue to work with schools to promote success and prepare students for college and the workforce.

Cape Girardeau Schools saw its scores increase by slightly more than 14 percent when the 2014 annual performance reports were released last month. Across the state, 56.6 percent of Missouri school districts increased their scores.

While the achievement was deserving of celebration, Nixon told students it was important to continue moving forward. Once they complete school and enter the workforce, they will be competing on a global scale.

"It may not feel like it some days, but the competition you're in here in the school and the competition you're going to be in for jobs in the future is worldwide," he said.

The quality of education students receive today will impact economic opportunities in the future, Nixon added. He then thanked the General Assembly for a move he said helped contribute to the state's support of education.

Lawmakers did not override the governor's vetoes on a number of tax-cutting bills, which Nixon estimates would have reduced state and local revenue by more than $776 annually. Last week, he released $143.6 million for local school districts and higher education institutions. He said it was important the state meet its financial obligation and fully fund the Foundation Formula.

"Our children are working hard, we just need to make sure our educators have the resources and abilities to get technology, smaller class sizes and other things that will make a difference," Nixon said.

He also said if the economy continues to improve, additional funds could be released in other areas that suffered budget cuts, including public libraries.

A question was posed to the governor regarding the decision to privatize Cottonwood Residential Treatment Facility, a move he said was financially driven.

"Throughout this process we've looked to try and find the best way to deliver services," he said, "and throughout the state and other areas where we've worked with some of those private entities, we've gotten even more impact than we've seen in the past. ... So we're looking for the most cost-effective way to continue the vital and important services not only at Cottonwood, but at other mental health facilities around the state."

srinehart@semissourian.com

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205 Caruthers Ave., Cape Girardeau, Mo.