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Oct. 23, 2024
Protecting and Advancing Education Priorities Through a Gubernatorial Transition
Providing access to a high-quality education is a critical responsibility of governors and state legislatures and is enshrined in state constitutions. State education leadership and policy can support great teaching and learning in numerous important ways, spanning the spectrum from early learning through higher education. These include but are not limited to setting statewide expectations and requirements, incentivizing and removing barriers to innovation, providing funding and technical assistance to improve equity and capacity, building systems for research and development, and encouraging continuous improvement. While each state’s context and governance structures are different, every governor has a unique, leading role to play in improving education opportunities and outcomes in his/her state.
Governors in many states appoint new chief state school officers, state board of education members, and other state education leaders. Starting the day after the election, each new governor will embark on a transition process that, largely, starts with the election, leads to inauguration and extends through the first 100 days and beyond. This period presents significant opportunities for new governors to identify and advance their education policies and priorities. The purpose of this memo is to help education advocates plan for how they can advance their education priorities during this critical transition period that presents both opportunities and risks.
These materials have been prepared for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Internet subscribers and online readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel.