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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 1998

NEA Gives Congress An "A" on Class Size Vote -- and an "Incomplete" on School Modernization

WASHINGTON, D.C. - NEA President Bob Chase today praised both President Clinton and Congress for agreeing to reduce class sizes in grades K-3 by hiring 100,000 new public school teachers - while adding that their failure to approve funding for new schools would frustrate efforts to achieve those smaller classes.

"We applaud President Clinton for his aggressive leadership in keeping the class size proposal as a priority," said Bob Chase. "And we also credit Members of Congress for concurring.

"However, the failure of the Administration and Congress to approve funding for school modernization sends a mixed message," Chase added, "because there just aren't 100,000 empty classrooms in America's schools.

"Enrollments are rising, and class sizes are already too large," Chase said, "so the class size vote comes at an important juncture. But the fact remains that in the coming months, America's aging public schools will not get any younger, enrollments will continue to increase, and states will not be in any better position to grapple with school building modernization costs that already exceed $200 billion. They need federal assistance, and they need it now," he said.

"Funding for school modernization and construction will be a major piece of unfinished business for the next Congress," Chase said. "Americans want smaller classes, and that objective is now within reach, thanks to yesterday's vote. Now, they should focus on candidates in the coming election who will support modern schools and new school construction, so those smaller classes can become a reality for America's children."

Chase also praised the Clinton Administration and Congress for passing three consecutive annual budgets that taken together have added almost $10 billion to federal education spending.

"Education is this nation's lifeblood," he said, "and the increases in funding for Title I, student loans, professional development for teachers, vocational education, educational technology, higher education, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act will all pay strong dividends to America in the years to come."