Education
A world-class educational system is essential for businesses to remain competitive in a global economy. The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce believes that adequate funding, measurement of education outcomes, improvement of accountability, encouragement of innovation and rewards for excellence are all important components of any effort to improve quality education from kindergarten to college.
State Priorities
1. Promote teacher competency; authorize school districts to utilize teacher competency evaluations for purposes of continuing employment and enhancing compensation.
2. Secure appropriated money to replace the obsolete Brewer Hall and Campus School at UW-Eau Claire and continue funding in the 2011-2013 budget.
3. Allow greater autonomy for UW campuses, primarily to set enrollment and tuition levels
4. Support tax incentives to encourage employer sponsored education and training
5. Support the CVTC Energy Education Center
6. Support legislation that requires regional representation on the UW Board of Regents.
Federal Priorities
1. Change training, payment, and evaluation of teachers – pay for performance and incentive pay
2. Expand educational options for students, e.g. early enrollment of high school students in college-level courses, online learning programs, charter schools, etc.
3. Increase focus on Science, engineering, technology and math.