REBECCA COOK TO NEW COMMISSION ON PERFORMANCE

Rebecca Cook of Cape Girardeau is serving on the newly formed Commission on Performance, which will assist with implementation of the Outstanding Schools Act approved by the legislature earlier this year.

Cook was named as one of the commission's permanent members in her role as a member of the State Board of Education.

The group held its first meeting Monday in Jefferson City.

Under the Outstanding Schools Act, the commission is charged with advising the State Board of Education about implementation of the new law. The members will study key provisions of the law, including new academic performance standards and new testing programs for schools and students.

The permanent members of the commission will select additional teachers, business leaders and parents to serve. At least one-fourth of the commission's total membership will be practicing classroom teachers from public schools.

"The Commission on Performance will play an important role in Missouri's school reform efforts," said Gov. Mel Carnahan, a member of the group. "Missouri will rely on this commission to work toward implementation of the Outstanding Schools Act."

In addition to Cook and Carnahan, serving as the permanent members are: Senate President Jim Mathewson; House Speaker Bob Griffin; Sen. Harold Caskey and Sen. Steve Ehlmann, appointed by the president; Rep. Annete Morgan and Rep. Jim Mitchell, named by the speaker; Gary Cunningham, a member of the state board of education; Commissioner of Education Robert Bartman; and two local school board members appointed by the governor, Carol Gamble and Rev. Earl Nance.