Governor Heineman reported that the state economic forecasting board met at the end of February and determined that there would be a $30 million dollar shortfall in state revenues. But he added that Nebraska is in better shape than most states. Historically as the national economy recovers, state revenues lag. Which means that the Governor feels that there will be a few rough years ahead for the state budget.
The Governor also talked about the P-16 state initiative. There are 8 goals for P-16 education:
1. Development of a core curriculum for the state that is rigorous.
2. Eliminate academic achievement gaps between population subgroups
3. Develop an effective data system
4. A 90% graduation rate at every school
5. A top 10 college going rate among states
6. A virtual high school for students to take challenging courses on-line.
7. Affordable college access
8. Increase in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) teachers and capability
He said that any student who can’t read by the end of the 6th grade is likely a drop-out.
