Event: Inaugural Forum on Productivity in Public Education, hosted by The University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Public School Initiatives and the newly formed Institute for Productivity in Education. The two-day forum will explore ways to improve fiscal transparency in public education while increasing cost effectiveness and productivity.
When: Monday, Jan. 24, 1-5 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 25, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Where: The Omni Austin Hotel, Longhorn Room (third floor), 700 San Jacinto at 8th Street
Background: Texas lawmakers must close a large revenue gap during the 82nd legislature. Public education funding is one of the state’s largest expenditures. Nationally recognized education experts will join state and local leaders to discuss ways to increase cost effectiveness and provide greater flexibility in resource allocation for school leaders. The forum will focus on policy solutions to improve financial accountability during resource-challenged times.
Partial List of Panelists:
- Rod Paige, Former U.S. Secretary of Education
- Margaret Spellings, Former U.S. Secretary of Education
- Florence Shapiro, Chairwoman, Senate Education Committee
- Charles Miller, Institute for Productivity in Education
- Marguerite Roza, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Mike Casserly, Council of the Great City Schools
- Tom Currah, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
- Rob Eissler, Chairman, House Public Education Committee
- Gayle Fallon, Houston Federation of Teachers
- Jay Greene, University of Arkansas
- Terry Grier, Houston Independent School District
- James Guthrie, The Bush Institute
- Frederick Hess, American Enterprise Institute
- Paul Hill, Center on Reinventing Public Education
- Donald McAdams, Center for Reform of School Districts
- Richard Middleton, North East Independent School District
- Marina Walne, Laura and John Arnold Foundation
- Darvin Winick, Institute for Public School Initiatives
Find a full list of panelists and more information about the forum online. Questions, as well as requests for interviews with panelists, may be directed to Seth Winick at 512-470-2233 or seth@hrwkglobal.com.
