10/29/2008
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Joe Manchin, joined by First Lady Gayle Manchin, education officials and leaders from the business community, today announced five additional public schools have joined the SEEDS (Student Educational and Economic Development Success) volunteer mentoring program.
The SEEDS program, which the governor launched last October, partners a public school principal with a seasoned business leader and master educator to help improve the participating school’s performance. The participating school and its business partner work together to implement solutions that create a more productive environment for the school and its students alike.
The objective of SEEDS is to create leaders who have the skills and experience not only to improve conditions in their own schools but to drive change throughout the public school system.
The SEEDS program was created as a public-private partnership that the governor first unveiled in the State of the State address in January of 2007.
“I believe that establishing a solid link between our private sector businesses and public education is critical as we continue to move this state forward,” Gov. Joe Manchin said. “I have said that business, education and workforce development go hand-in-hand. The future of this state’s economy relies on our students’ ability to develop the skill-sets necessary to match our employer needs.”
In 2006, Gov. Manchin formed the 21st Century Jobs Cabinet of West Virginia, co-chaired by First Lady Gayle C. Manchin and Ralph Baxter, chairman and CEO of the global law firm Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe, to create that catalyst. The 21st Century Jobs Cabinet has played a role in helping to sustain the SEEDS program.
The SEEDS program, which initially started with five pilot schools, will now have 10 participating schools with today’s addition. The following five schools and along with their business partners, will join the SEEDS program:
- Principal Helen B. Curry, Williamson Middle School, Mingo County. Mentor Jimmy Kirk, Belo Mine Supply, Inc., Chattaroy, Mingo County.
- Principal Vickie Nutter, Nicholas County Career and Technical Center, Nicholas County. Mentor Robert Britton, president, Britton Engineering, Inc., Summersville, Nicholas County.
- Principal Steve Taylor, Van Devender Middle School, Wood County. Mentor Ms. Charlie Crooks, Bluestone Energy Partners and The Blennerhassett Hotel, Parkersburg, Wood County.
- Principal Leatha Williams, Rupert Elementary School, Greenbrier County. Mentor Martha Hilton, REMAX, Lewisburg, Greenbrier County.
- Principal Peggy Adkins, Harts Intermediate School, Lincoln County. Mentor Tom Pressman, president, Strictly Business, Huntington, Cabell County.
The program has received $1 million from the state and has also received private contributions from Cisco Systems, American Electric Power Foundation, American Public University System, Reed Gas Inc., Orrick, Herrington, Sutcliffe Foundation, Verizon, American Public University System, Inc., The Chambers Family Foundation, Reed Brothers Ltd. Partnership, JP Morgan Chase Foundation, and Mr. James H. Harless.
Contact Information
Jama Jarrett or Melvin Smith
304-558-2000