Education Secretary Plans to Listen to Us

The OU/IPA joined today at the U.S. Department of Education with 100 other leaders of the non-public school community for the Department’s annual Private School Leadership Conference.

The day’s meetings were opened by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan who praised the role of America’s non-public schools, said that America needs more great schools – be they public or private – “it is not a competition” said the Secretary.

Secretary Duncan also said that, as the Obama Administration plans for the legislative reauthorization of the main federal education funding statute (the Elementary & Secondary Education Act), he intends to host a “listening session” in the near future with non-public school leaders for our sector’s views on how the Federal government can appropriately partner with America’s non-public schools.

We appreciate Secy Duncan’s open door and attitude.