FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:   Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
Cheryl Henry (407) 246-3582

CITY OF ORLANDO RECOGNIZES
COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION

Blue Ribbon Panel for Education Presents
Recommendations to City Council

Orlando, FL (May 9, 2005) – Today at an Orlando City Council Workshop, the Blue Ribbon Panel on Education released their report outlining research, results and recommendations to City Council.

The Blue Ribbon Panel on Education is a community panel of 25 members, appointed by City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty and the Orange County School Board. The mission of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Education is to develop recommendations that will lead Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and the community into a new era of improved student performance.

Earlier today, the Panel provided an overview of more than 110 recommendations from the recently completed Blue Ribbon Panel report (available online at www.blueribbonschools.org).

During the Workshop, Mayor Dyer inquired about what specific initiatives the City of Orlando could support and move forward from the Panel’s recommendations.

One of the recommendations presented by Bill Sublette, Chairman of the Panel, suggested that the City explore corporate partner and sponsorship opportunities with City schools. The Panel’s research suggested a direct correlation between the level of a school’s success and if the school had a corporate sponsor or not.

“Education is a priority to me, my City staff and the citizens of Orlando. We commend Bill Sublette and the Blue Ribbon Panel on Education for their comprehensive set of recommendations. We feel corporate partnerships could offer truly great opportunities for the City of Orlando to make a difference in our community and continue our focus on education priorities,” said Mayor Buddy Dyer.

During the Blue Ribbon Panel report workshop, the City of Orlando was also recognized by the Panel for their work on Pre-K education. To date, the City of Orlando has created 13 pre-k classes at schools within the City. The Pre-K initiative, which was developed by Mayor Dyer, will continue to expand in the coming school year reaching additional students in the City of Orlando.

In addition to the Mayor’s Pre-K initiative, Bill Sublette, Chairman of the Blue Panel on Education recognized the City for other education efforts. “The City has done a fantastic job engaging parental support within City schools,” said Sublette.

Throughout the course of the research and development of recommendations, the Panel targeted its efforts in areas that affect student performance using a five-committee structure:
· Early Childhood Education
· Student Performance
· Teacher Performance, Retention and Pay
· Parental and Community Support
· Education Management

For more information on the City’s Pre-K efforts or the Children and Education initiatives, please log on to www.cityoforlando.net.

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