U.S. Education Secretary to Highlight Reform Efforts That Strengthen Schools, Boost Economy During Tennessee Visit

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will visit Nashville on Wednesday, Aug. 10, to highlight reform efforts being made across the state and the nation that can lead to a stronger education system and better educated workforce.

Duncan will join Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman, Achievement School District Superintendent Chris Barbic, SCORE Executive Director Jamie Woodson and Tennessee Education Association President Gera Summerford at West End Middle School at 11 a.m. to celebrate the Race to the Top program. August marks the one-year anniversary of Race to the Top round two winners. As one of two states to win a grant in the first round, Tennessee was awarded approximately $500 million to implement a comprehensive school reform plan. A media avail at the school will follow at 11:45 a.m.

After that event, Duncan will host a White House Rural Council roundtable discussion with several rural superintendents, principals and business leaders, as well as Haslam and Huffman, at 12:30 p.m. at the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University. Duncan will host the listening session as part of President Obama's call for the entire Administration to continue learning about issues and solutions in rural areas. In June, President Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Rural Council, an interdepartmental group that uses existing resources to strenghten rural communities and promote economic growth. A media avail will follow at 1:20 p.m.