For More Information:
NEA Communications: 202 822-7200

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2000

News Release

Historic Election Spotlights Education

Results Show Resolve for Improving Public Schools

Washington, D.C. -- "Tonight's election results mark an historic victory for children and public education," declared National Education Association President Bob Chase. "Al Gore's triumph reflects the public's overwhelming support for an education plan that delivers for every child. America can look forward to smaller classes, quality teachers, safe and modern schools, real accountability and the extra support required to help all students meet high standards."

Chase also hailed the public education victory evident in the crushing defeat of both voucher ballot initiatives in California and Michigan. This is the tenth defeat of vouchers. "This thorough thrashing of vouchers should be a death knell to a bad idea that drains money away from our neighborhood schools," said Chase.

Chase said the defeat of vouchers underscores the public's commitment to making neighborhood public schools the best they can be with a focus on proven strategies that improve schools such as smaller classes, quality teachers, and extra support to help students achieve at high levels.

The NEA called on the new President, House and Senate to remember their campaign promises to work together and end the partisan rancor that led to gridlock just one week ago. The congressional standstill is jeopardizing funds to hire and train new teachers, reduce class size, modernize schools and provide afterschool programs. "The message delivered by today's election is a mandate to get back to work for children and public schools," said Chase.

Chase noted that key education wins in the House and Senate races will help fulfill the goal of strong public schools. In Arkansas' fourth district, pro-education candidate Mike Ross defeated incumbent Jay Dickey - a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, who repeatedly voted against public schools. Additional wins include early childhood education advocate Mark Dayton in Minnesota, Missouri First Lady Jean Carnahan and Connie Morella in Maryland.

Chase stressed that the campaign platforms of both parties promoted four clear priorities: smaller classes, teacher quality, school modernization, and investments in early childhood. "These are priorities that can unite both parties in support of children and public education," said Chase. "The people have spoken. We are ready to get to work. From coast to coast, NEA members volunteered and made their voices heard in unprecedented numbers. I applaud the work of our 2.5 million members whose passion for children and public education runs so deep."

# # #
The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support personnel, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.