Bipartisan bill would fund education innovation
May 9, 2013 - House Speaker Thom Tillis drew attention to North Carolina's education innovation efforts Wednesday with a news conference where he was joined by business leaders, legislators and educators from across the state. Tillis highlighted a bipartisan bill that would create an education and workforce innovation program intended to support local and regional initiatives that focus on strong student preparation through active partnerships among schools, higher education and businesses.
Tillis said that the proposed legislation -- which would create a fund to provide incentives for investing in educational innovation -- would identify best practices and expand their reach across the state. Joining Tillis to discuss the bill were its key sponsor, Rep. Linda Johnson, a Republican from Cabarrus County, and co-sponsors Rep. Craig Horn of Union County and Rep. James Langdon, Jr., of Johnston County, both Republicans, and Rep. Joe Tolson, a Democrat representing Edgecombe and Martin counties.
Tillis also recognized a number of current initiatives, which he characterized as "extraordinary examples of excellence across the state." Among them:
- A partnership in Duplin County among the school system, James Sprunt Community College and area businesses that focuses on high student achievement and college readiness beginning in elementary school.
- An alliance among business and school leaders in the Yadkin Valley that has launched a new career academy that emphasizes entrepreneurship and career-focused learning.
- Planning now underway for an innovative regional aviation school in the northeastern part of the state.
- Charlotte's Project LIFT, which has raised more than $40 million from major local foundations to improve educational opportunities for students in West Charlotte through efforts to strengthen public schools in the area.
Jim Whitehurst, CEO of Red Hat, said at the news conference that education can benefit from an approach that encourages many different ideas and approaches.
"Any business knows that innovation is never centrally planned," Whitehurst said. "It has to bubble up... The process laid out in this bill is very similar to venture capital efforts that have led to significant investment."
He cited similar efforts across the country outside of education. "The construct for driving innovation is tried and true, and there are many examples around the country similar to this to drive innovation. I haven't seen it yet in education, but am excited about the opportunity."
For additional coverage of the press conference, check out the news stories from WRAL and The News & Observer.
Photo: Duplin County Schools Superintendent Austin Obahosan speaks at the press conference. He is joined at the podium by NC Chamber President Lew Ebert, Rep. Linda Johnson (Cabarrus), Rep. Craig Horn (Union) and House Speaker Thom Tillis.
