Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Directs 33 Surplus State Computers to Caruthersville Schools
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today directed the Missouri Office of Administration to transfer 33 surplus computers to the Caruthersville School District. The computers became available due to a scheduled upgrade of the equipment in the Department of Social Services office in Caruthersville.
Blunt learned about the three-and-half year old computers and the department’s intent to surplus them in Jefferson City during a recent trip to the bootheel. Learning that the Caruthersville School District was in need of computers, Blunt directed state Commissioner of Administration Michael Keathley to have the computers sent to the school.
“Helping provide young Missourians with a quality education is my highest priority as governor,” Blunt said. “I am pleased we were able to use these existing state resources to help enhance technological education in Caruthersville which is essential for employment and professional advancement in our global economy.”
Caruthersville was hit badly by a tornado last month. Transferring the computers from the local DSS office to the school district will also save the state the expense of transferring them to Jefferson City.
Blunt has made education his top budget and policy priority. Since taking office in January 2005 his budgets have provided $498 million for K-12 public schools, none of which has been withheld. Blunt led the successful effort last year to craft a new needs-based school funding formula and secured a $17.1 million funding increase for Missouri’s public colleges and universities in next year’s budget.
Blunt also remains committed to his Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative which will also generate $450 million to enhance learning opportunities for students across Missouri and provide the tools to ensure the state remains a leader in the plant and health science industries.
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