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Gov. Gregoire appoints Jane Gutting to Quality Education Council

For Immediate Release: August 4, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today appointed Jane Gutting of Yakima to the Quality Education Council. This past legislative session, the Legislature approved House Bill 2261, which created the council to develop strategic recommendations for implementation of a new definition of Basic Education to include its financial support.

�Jane brings a unique background and level of experience that makes her a perfect fit for this council,� Gregoire said. �We need someone who will ensure that the measures this council puts in place will work and succeed. Our children are counting on it. Jane�s drive for success is apparent. She grew up in a rural, low-income area raised by two parents with less than a high school education � and eventually became a state leader in education. I am counting on Jane to bring all of her expertise and knowledge to this council, and drive strategies to best serve our kids.�

Gutting is the superintendent of Educational Service District 105, an office that supports 25 school districts and 22 private schools in Central Washington. Prior to becoming ESD 105 superintendent, Gutting taught at two different school districts in Wisconsin, and was on faculty at three universities, including Washington State University, University of Oregon and University of Wisconsin. Gutting also served as Associate Superintendent for Teaching & Learning in the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

�It�s time to take the next steps to ensure that basic education in the State of Washington is the best it can be for kids, families, and communities,� Gutting said. �I look forward to the challenge of creating recommendations based on evidence that the programs effectively support student learning.�

Recommendations of the council will be used by the governor and Legislature to identify measurable goals and priorities for Washington�s K-12 education system for a 10-year time period. As provided by the legislation, the council will recommend a timeline to phase in changes to instructional programs and funding formulas, as well as a new student transportation formula. The council will also study how to establish a statewide teacher mentoring and support system, as well as an early learning program for at-risk children.

The council is expected to return its first report by January 1, 2010, and will include recommendations for resolving issues or decisions requiring legislative action during the 2010 legislative session.

Along with Gregoire�s appointee, the council will be made up of legislators, as well as representatives from the State Board of Education, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Professional Educator Standards Board and the Department of Early Learning.