DES MOINES, Iowa—Three former governors called Tuesday for making education a top issue in the upcoming presidential race.
The governors, backed by teachers and noisy youngsters at the Science Center of Iowa, were making their pitch as part of a $60 million Strong American Schools initiative backed by wealthy philanthropists Bill Gates and Eli Broad.
“Iowans see these presidential candidates a lot and they hear a lot about our crisis going on overseas or that we have a crisis on our borders,” said former Colorado Gov. Roy Romer, a Democrat who is leading the effort. “But America’s schools are in a state of crisis, too, with real problems that take real leadership to solve.”
At the news conference, officials said Iowa activists should use the state’s leadoff position in the presidential nominating process to encourage candidates to discuss education issues. They argued that dealing with education problems required a bipartisan involvement in the political process.
“The road to the presidency goes right through your state,” former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack told the youngsters.
Vilsack is familiar with that road, having briefly sought the Democratic presidential nomination after leaving office. After dropping out of the race, he endorsed New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Vilsack also has taken a job with the National Education Association, which will pay him to lobby on the No Child Left Behind Act. The association was not part of the effort discussed Tuesday.
Former Iowa Gov. Robert D. Ray, a Republican, also attended the announcement.
“Education lies at the heart of every important issue in the presidential contest,” said Ray.
Vilsack said a focus on education should include approving tougher standards for school and go beyond allocating more money.
“We need to set high expectations and require high standards for every school in America,” said Vilsack. “Anything less will not adequately prepare our children for the tough global competition they will face.”
Among the speakers was Abby Bowman, who graduated from Johnston High School this year and is headed for Princeton University.
“I don’t think that we’re coming out of college or out of high school with the skills we need,” she said.
Bowman said she would cast her first vote for president next year, and will make that decision based on positions on improving education.
