Good schools are vital to Missouri’s ability to compete and create jobs in the global economy, Gov. Jay Nixon said Tuesday, during a visit to Savannah High School. Gov. Nixon and Missouri Agriculture Director Richard Fordyce visited Savannah to visit with area FFA students and discuss “Good Schools, Good Jobs,” which will provide the resources to help the Savannah R-III School District expand technology in the classroom, and fully fund the state’s K-12 foundation formula by Fiscal Year 2016.

“From our smallest towns to our biggest cities, it’s clear that creating good jobs starts with investing in good schools,” Gov. Nixon said. “That’s why my Good Schools, Good Jobs plan will provide local schools with the resources they need to prepare students to compete in the global economy. With Missouri’s economy picking up steam and our unemployment rate continuing to drop, the best way to build on this momentum is to invest in our students and our schools.”

Gov. Nixon’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget proposal includes an increase of $278 million for K-12 classrooms, putting the state on a path to fully funding the foundation formula in two years.  The K-12 foundation formula, passed into law in 2005, establishes the state’s funding level for K-12 schools.  This would increase funding for Savannah public schools by more than $840,000, which the district will use to expand students’ access to technology, make WiFi available at additional school buildings, and make targeted investments to attract and retain quality teachers.

“Savannah Schools have a tradition of high academic standards and a focus on individual students’ success,”said Dr. DavidBrax, Savannah Schools Superintendent. “The Governor’s proposal to put Missouri on a path to fully funding our schools will allow districts like Savannah to continue preparing students for 21stcentury careers by putting better technology and great teachers in every classroom.”

Gov. Nixon has made public education in Missouri a top priority of his administration. Math and reading scores have increased on his watch and Missouri’s high school graduation rate is now the eighth highest in the nation. Over the past five years, Missouri has also led the nation in minimizing tuition increases at its public universities.