Rachel Dove-Baldwin

Staff Writer

CHARLESTON - The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce (WVCC) have issued a press release voicing their support of the bold education reform that will be proposed during the 2013 legislative session.

Education reform was a major topic of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s State of the State speech last Wednesday, and will likely be the primary topic of discussion for the Legislature.

“Education in West Virginia must change, and that change begins now,” stated the governor.

Steve Roberts, President of the WVCC, stated, “The West Virginia Chamber has several core beliefs for education that includes enrolling all 4 year olds in a quality Pre-K program; every child must be taught by an effective teacher; children must be reading at grade level by 3rd grade; evaluations of schools and personnel that are vital to importance; more exposure to learning opportunities, more time with teachers is needed; and not all children learn in the same way – innovation is the key.”

As the governor works to finalize his education bill, the WVCC stands ready to lend its full support to his education reform plan. The WVCC is our state’s largest business advocacy organization, representing members in all 55 counties who employ over half of the state’s workforce.