Dayton, OH is one of 14 cities chosen on Monday March 10, 2014 in Washington D.C to partner with the U.S. Department of Education and the National League of Cities to reach out to citizens regarding education reform in their communities.
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, who was with the Secretary during the announcement, said, “This is important recognition for Dayton and our region” We know we’re doing difficult but impressive work to ensure that more of our kids are doing well in school and pursuing either a college degree, a skills credential, or joining the military” 
This recognition validates those efforts” “Our goal is urgent and simple,” Mayor Whaley said. We want to have a highly skilled workforce that will attract and keep jobs in Dayton.”
Secretary Duncan made the announcement at the League of Cities Congressional City Conference. The League and Secretary Duncan are encouraging cities to focus on getting more young children in preschool, providing afterschool opportunities for students and increasing the percentage of students going to college and earning degrees.
“Our City of Learners initiative is up and running,” Mayor Whaley said. “New partnerships with Secretary Duncan and his staff and the League of Cities will support everything our myriads of partners are doing in Dayton.” “We know strong schools are at the heart of strong communities,” Secretary Duncan said. “That’s why we’re excited about this new effort with the National League of Cities to help lo
The other cities that were chosen are:
- Avondale, Ariz.
- Berkeley, Calif.
- Gary, Ind.
- Hattiesburg, Miss.
- Kansas City, Mo.
- Louisville, Ky.
- Madison, Wis.
- Memphis, Tenn.
- Phoenix, Ariz.
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Saint Paul, Minn.
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Savannah, Ga.
The conversation in Dayton and the other cities will include families, schools, educators and community groups to focus on strategies to improve early childhood education, afterschool and post secondary attainment. For more information Contact: Ariel Walker, Senior Policy Aide to Mayor Whaley@ 937-333-3646
