Gov. Jay Nixon on Monday visited Fair Grove High School to recognize the school district and its students for their continued academic achievement and to discuss

his efforts to ensure every student in Missouri has access to a quality education.

“Investing in education is an investment in our economy, and it takes a committed community of educators, parents and local leaders to make sure our schools and students succeed,” Gov. Nixon said. “Here in Fair Grove, and throughout Greene County, quality public schools are preparing Missouri’s students to compete and win in the global economy.”

Recently, the Fair Grove R-10 School District scored a 93.9 percent on the 2013 Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) 2013 Annual Performance Report (APR). Additionally, the district’s attendance rate, graduation rate, and percentage of graduates going onto higher education are above the statewide average.

“We are very proud of the students, parents, teachers and staff of Fair Grove Schools for their commitment to learning and achievement,” said John Link, Superintendent. “This is a community that values and supports our public schools, and that support has played an important role in our students’ continued success. We want our graduates to be life-long learners, and we work to build that foundation of character every day here in our classrooms.”

The Governor also applauded Fair Grove High School for being a Missouri A+ designated school, which allows qualified students to apply for scholarships for two years of tuition and fees at any of Missouri’s community colleges. In January, Gov. Nixon set a goal of giving every student in the state the opportunity to earn an A+ Scholarship. Today, 99 percent of Missouri’s public high school students are eligible to earn A+ Scholarships.

“Education is simply the best economic development tool there is,” Gov. Nixon said. “That’s why we are continuing our commitment to holding down the costs of college tuition and investing in successful efforts like the A+ initiative, which makes it possible for more Missouri graduates to continue their learning and training beyond high school.”

Under the A+ program, Missouri students can earn a scholarship to cover the cost of tuition and academic fees for two years at any public two-year community college or technical school in the state. To be eligible for the program, students must meet academic achievement standards, conduct and attendance requirements, and perform 50 hours of tutoring or mentoring service.

Gov. Nixon has made public education in Missouri a top priority of his administration. Even during the height of the recession, Gov. Nixon worked across the aisle to balance the budget every year without raising taxes or making deep cuts to K-12 classrooms. 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 four years, Missouri has also led the nation in holding down tuition increases at its public colleges and universities.