FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWS
ROE #40 Talks GED Program with Lieutenant Governor
Sheila Simon Discusses Importance of Adult Education with Student, Region Officials
Date: Dec. 17, 2012 Contact: Ryan Keith, 217-737-7369 rkprsolutions@gmail.com

Springfield Second-chance programs such as the GED are vital for the success of so many in Illinois, especially during tough economic times. That was the message stressed in a recent meeting between Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon and area educators.
Representatives from Regional Office of Education No. 40 visited the state Capitol to talk with the states No. 2 public official during the recent fall veto session. They talked at length about the value of the GED program, which is seeing renewed interest in this economy where jobs are still a prized commodity. Simon met with Nathan, who dropped out of school in the seventh grade but is back on track to earn his GED and go to work next spring. Nathan told Simon he ran into trouble finding a job but followed his brothers lead in trying to move forward by getting a degree. Three adult education officials in ROE 40 director Doreen Fornero and instructors Becky Bohlen and Dane Walker explained how their program is helping so many people succeed through a focus on individualized training and learning, rather than a certain number of hours of instruction. Students know when they come through our program they will get the attention they need and the education they want to be successful. We are so proud of them, Bohlen said. Simon credited Nathan and the educators for working hard to produce a more educated, successful workforce.
"Earning a GED opens up opportunities for personal and professional enhancement - opportunities that don't exist to students without a GED or high school diploma. In order to open those doors, it is fundamentally important for people to know where and when the GED test is available," said Lt. Governor Sheila Simon.

Regional superintendent Larry Pfeiffer thanked the lieutenant governor for her dedication to improving education and hopes the visit proves beneficial for all involved. We need to continue to put an emphasis on the programs in Illinois that show educational success, and the GED program is a clear example of that success, Pfeiffer said. We will gladly continue working with Lt. Gov. Simon and other public officials to move our schools and our state in the right direction. About ROE 40 Led by Regional Superintendent Larry Pfeiffer, Regional Office of Education No. 40 represents and serves schools in Calhoun, Greene, Jersey and Macoupin counties in central Illinois. More information can be found at its website: http://roe40.org/ and at http://roe40.org/ace. ###