By Fritz Edelstein
March 15, 2004

Beginning last Friday, March 12th in Billings, Montana and continuing through May 21st in Boston, Massachusetts, at the request of the U.S Conference of Mayors, the mayor of each Summit's host city has been invited by the U.S. Department of Education to speak. Billings Mayor Charles Tooley kicked off the first Regional Summit by addressing the state teams from Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Each state's Governor and Chief State School Officer selected the teams.

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige launched the initiative in the Fall 2003. The goal of these regional summits is to convene small teams of state-level policy makers to assist them in the development or refinement of a customized state strategy that will help high schools better meet the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act.

The Conference wanted to ensure a local voice and was able to secure invitations for host mayor to speak about what they see as their role in education and the importance of improving the high school experience for students.

Tooley was the only locally elected official to speak to the participants and addressed the importance of education for each and every mayor across the country. He stated that, "As a mayor, I believe that education is one of the critical keys to the future of our cities, our towns and our nation. Because ensuring we provide a quality educational experience to our children is one thing for which all of us have a responsibility."

He went on to say that "I am the elected chief executive officer of my community. I am responsible for the quality of life in my community. And education is a, if not the, critical element to make sure that the quality of life and economic vitality of this city continues to improve."

There will be a total of seven summits that began in Billings last week and continue in Atlanta (March 26-27), Phoenix (April 16-17), St. Louis (April 23-24), Sacramento (May 7-8), Cleveland (May 14-15), and Boston (May 21-22). The purpose of these summits is to address the significant challenges that face contemporary high schools and discuss the creation of new educate opportunities that will fully prepare American youth for success in further education and training to be a part of a highly skilled U.S. workforce, and as productive and responsible citizens. For additional information on the summits go to: www.ed.gov/highschool.

Even though the meeting was focused on a state design strategy, Tooley made it very clear that the issue had to be simultaneously addressed at the local level. He said, "I urge you to think not only about what next steps your states should be taking in revitalizing the high school education experience, but also focus in on what needs to be done and what options are available and feasible at the local levelÉI suggest you envision your community, your city as an oasis for learning. I know I will be rethinking my role here in Billings on what we as a city can do to improve and expand learning opportunities and experiences for high school students. How can we incorporate the city as part of the high school experience as well as make sure the students have the skills to move to postsecondary education and into the workforce."

The Conference recognizes the importance of the mayoral role in education and the linkage of education policy, programs and practices within the cities, states and nationally. It is critical that when discussing changes in that improve our high schools that meetings include legislative issues related to No Child Left Behind, and the Workforce Improvement Act and these affect the educational experiences provided in our high schools.