BOISE, Idaho, July 16 (UPI) -- Kentucky Gov. Paul E. Patton, the new chairman of the National Governors Association, said Tuesday his main focus will be helping governors find ways to turn around low-performing schools in their states.
Patton, who was named chairman on the final day of the group's four-day annual meeting, said his Chairman's Initiative will be called "Reaching New Heights: Turning Around Low-Performing Schools."
With support from the Broad Foundation, the association will identify the best practices for a governor's guide, convene a meeting of education experts and conduct a National Education Summit for Governors. Five states will be selected for special projects.
"Governors are constantly searching for solutions that will help all schools succeed, but some schools require more help than others," Patton said. "Current research suggests that state policies can effectively stimulate and support school improvement. Governors must lead the charge to provide all students with an equal opportunity to learn and succeed."
The governors approved several new policies and amendments during the meeting.
Some of the highlights included seeking enhanced flexibility in optional benefits and optional programs within Medicaid, supporting the Bush Administration's Medicaid drug rebate program, calling on Congress to approve the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax agreement, and support for legislative proposals that provide funding for Amtrak.
Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne was named vice chairman at the meeting.
The governors also recognized their departing colleagues. Twenty-one governors are not running for re-election this year, the second largest turnover in almost 20 years.
Next year's annual meeting will be in Indianapolis, Ind., August 16-19.
