Pennsylvania Education Secretary Pedro Rivera Makes Two Stops on Schools That Teach Tour

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera visited two schools in north central Pennsylvania Thursday to speak with administrators, teachers, and students as part of the Wolf Administration's Schools That Teach tour.

During visits to the Jersey Shore Area School District and Bald Eagle School District, Rivera shared with teachers, administrators, and students Governor Wolf's vision for improving education for every student regardless of zip code.

"Schools across the commonwealth are delivering on their mission to provide a high-quality education to all the students in their classrooms, and the Department of Education is committed to supporting them in that mission," said Sec. Rivera. "By traveling the state, listening to educators and administrators, and securing the necessary funding to address each school's unique needs, we will make a critical investment in Pennsylvania's schools and 1.74 million students."

Rivera noted that since taking office Governor Wolf has secured record investments of almost $640 million in increased funding to public education -- from high-quality pre-kindergarten to post-secondary institutions -- expressed his support for introducing a more holistic approach to measuring schools, and made schools a top priority of his administration. Education funding is being used to invest in programs and tools that help students graduate college and career ready, and the Administration's "schools that teach" initiative aims to provide critical resources and support to all students.

During the stop at Jersey Shore Area School District, Superintendent Dr. Jill Wenrich said, "The secretary's visit was a very uplifting experience for our district.  It gave us the opportunity to showcase all of the great educational opportunities that our district provides to our students."

During his visit to Bald Eagle Area School District, Rivera was joined by state Representative Michael Hanna.

"This is a great opportunity for educators and administrative personnel at the Bald Eagle Area School District to learn about educational programs funded in the 2016-17 budget," said Hanna. "Investing in our children is a top priority of mine, so understanding the impact these programs will have on students as they prepare for college or the workforce is extremely important to me." 

"The Bald Eagle Area School District was excited to hear about Secretary Rivera's visit; he wants to experience firsthand the education that is occurring in the commonwealth," Bald Eagle Area Superintendent Jeff Miles said. "Following the 'Schools that Teach' portion of the visit, Secretary Rivera had the opportunity to see how connecting student interest, using the newest technology, and applying it to our little corner as well as the world, sets the stage for a wonderful learning environment. Public schools are doing amazing things each and every day." 

Since 2015, the Wolf Administration and Department of Education officials have traveled the state speaking to educators, students, administrators, and community members to achieve its mission of ensuring access to a high-quality education to all Pennsylvanians.

"Schools across Pennsylvania are doing a great job using innovation and strategic partnerships to improve education," Rivera said. "These historic investments in our students will build on the strengths of our schools and help ensure a bright future for the commonwealth."

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman, 717-783-9802 

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us