Rielly Discusses Education Reform

Senator Tom Rielly meets with a small group Tuesday night to talk about education reform

Oskaloosa, Iowa – In early October, Governor Branstad introduced an education reform plan outlining many departures and changes in comparison to the current practices.

At the release of the blueprint, Governor Branstad stated, “Young people today must meet higher expectations than ever to succeed in this global economy.” Branstad continued.  “For the future of our children and our state, we must transform our good schools into world-class schools,” Branstad said.

Iowa Senator Tom Rielly (D) of Oskaloosa was joined by a group of people Tuesday evening at the Oskaloosa Library to get their thoughts about the plan. Among those gathered were school board members, educators, AEA employees, county supervisors, and others.

“Really, I think the Governor’s put forth a bold initiative, and I like that. I think it’s a good idea. I just wanted to get some take on some people that are intimately involved with education and I think we had sitting around that table are the key people,” Rielly said of the purpose of bringing the group together.”I want to hear what they thought. What’s good about this? where are we coming up short?”

Rielly stated he’s looking for a way to come together in a bi-partisan fashion “to improve our education system.” He went on to say that he was looking to hear what his constituents had to say on the proposal.

“I think what the Superintendent [Russ Reiter] pointed out really well, these are great ideas,” Rielly said in response to a question if he thought the plan was made with the thought that it would be chipped away at by the legislature. Reiter had made mention of the different models that were used in developing the plan from such states as Florida and Massachusetts. “I don’t know if that will actually work here,” Rielly said.

Rielly said that education will be a big part of the upcoming legislative session, and he is looking for ways to help improve the education system here in Iowa for all students.

Oskaloosa Schools Superintendent Russ Reiter stated “I have some concerns but overall I like it [the Branstad Plan]. I think there are a number of good things in there. Now there may be too much to bite off and handle within a year or two because they’re looking at so many different areas,” Reiter said.

Reiter went on to comment on such things as teacher pay, professional development, hiring new teachers, and working with colleges and setting standards with the common core. “So many things in the program, or in this proposal, that really is probably one of the bigger concerns.”

Even though Reiter says he likes the plan overall.  “The devils is in the details,” Reiter said speaking about the process of working out the proposal and what will and won’t work.

If you’re interested in learning more about Governor Branstad’s proposal, you can go to the following links for more information. You can read the blueprint online at http://governor.iowa.gov/  or at www.educateiowa.gov/.