CBIA President Serves on New Education Commission

CBIA President and CEO John Rathgeber has been appointed by Gov. Rell to the newly established Connecticut Commission on Educational Achievement. The volunteer and privately funded commission is composed primarily of business and nonprofit leaders and is charged with researching why Connecticut has one of the nation’s largest achievement gaps between low-income students and their more affluent peers. The group will then make recommendations to the governor, lawmakers, relevant state and local institutions, and the public on how to close that gap.

 

The governor noted that the success of our society depends on how well we prepare our future business and community leaders and that a top-notch education must be available to all students.

 

“Connecticut has long prided itself on having one of the finest workforces in the nation,” she said, “but this must be inclusive of every child in every neighborhood.”

 

The governor has appointed Greenwich businessman Steven J. Simmons to serve as Chairman of the 11-member commission.

 

The group plans to hold hearings around the state, visit public schools, review research, look at successes in other states, and consult with all interested parties.