Summit to feature former Florida Governor Jeb Bush as special guest speaker
COLUMBIA, SC – April 4, 2012 – U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) announced that he will partner with Governor Nikki Haley, Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell and SC Superintendent of Education Mick Zais to host the Empower South Carolina Education Reform Summit on Friday, April 27, 2012 in Columbia, SC.
The event will begin with a lunch featuring former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Founder of the Foundation for Excellence in Education, as the keynote speaker and will continue throughout the afternoon with various informational sessions and networking opportunities.
“I’m pleased to be part of this exciting event that will bring education, business and policy leaders together to discuss ideas that can result in meaningful education reform and new opportunities for every South Carolina student,” said DeMint.
“All over the country, states have stopped looking to Washington and instead looked closer to home for practical solutions to secure the future prosperity of their citizens. This is especially true in education, where states like Florida have become exciting examples of innovation yielding real results for students.”
Attendees will join education policymakers and opinion leaders from around South Carolina and the nation to learn about important developments and best practices in education reform, grow South Carolina’s network of education innovators and strategize on the path forward for empowering students.
“The success of today’s students will determine our nation’s destiny,” said Jeb Bush, Former Governor of Florida and Chairman of the Foundation for Excellence in Education. “Governors and Legislators must seize the opportunity to transform education for the 21st century. Florida made incredible progress in the last ten years. If Florida can do it, South Carolina can do it.”
“What we want for our children is a good quality education that allows choices for parents and the ability for teachers to teach without having their hands tied by Washington,” said Governor Haley.
“A personalized, customized education for every student is the future of education. A student-centered approach will transform education from a system that treats students as identical units, teachers as assembly line workers, and administrators as managers who work to meet production quotas of dubious quality. It’s not the people in the system who are stifling progress. It’s the system itself that must be replaced,” Superintendent Zais said.
“The educational reforms we’ve pursued in South Carolina have focused on greater choice for students, increased accountability for parents and the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” said House Speaker Bobby Harrell. ”I am proud to be part of the EMPOWER Summit with Senator DeMint and Governor Bush, which will be an important discussion about how we can build on the momentum and educational reforms we’ve begun in South Carolina.”
“I’m thankful that Gov. Bush is taking the time to visit South Carolina to share his unique expertise in the field of education reform. Change is never easy, but an honest dialogue can not only inform, but also inspire us to consider new ways to empower the next generation with the skills that will lead to success in school and success in life,” stated DeMint.
The Empower Summit will be held at the Columbia Convention Center from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Seating is limited and registration is required. For more information, individuals may contact Senator DeMint’s Columbia office at 803.771.6112 or email empowersummit@gmail.com.
