A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

FOR RELEASE
August 9, 2000

Contact:
John Emelki
john_emekli@ed.gov
(202) 401-4389

GOVERNORS TO JOIN RILEY ON SUCCESS EXPRESS

U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley announced today that six governors will be part of a back-to-school bus tour along the Mississippi River, Aug. 27-31.

"This is a great way to mark the beginning of the school year and I am delighted that these busy chief executives will join me in visiting schools and communities," Riley said.

Governors who will be traveling with Riley include Mike Huckabee, R-Ark.; George H. Ryan, R-Ill.; Paul E. Patton, D-Ky.; Ronnie Musgrove, D-Miss.; Mel Carnahan, D-Mo.; and Don Sundquist, R-Tenn.

The U.S. Department of Education's annual "Success Express" bus tour is part of the national America Goes Back to School effort.

"Better education is everybody's business," Riley said. "I encourage concerned adults everywhere to find ways to become involved in improving education and our schools. Even one hour a week spent reading or talking with a child can make a tremendous difference. I also urge parents to become involved with their children's education and school--get to know your child?s teacher and principal."

Beginning in Monroe, La., on Aug. 27, the "Success Express" will travel to 17 cities in seven states, including Rayville and Winnsboro, La.; Portland, Helena, Marianna and Blytheville, Ark.; Greenville, Hollandale, Rosedale and Clarksdale, Miss.; Memphis and Union City, Tenn.; Charleston, Mo.; Fort Defiance and Metropolis, Ill.; and Hickman and Paducah, Ky.

Last fall, Riley, a former governor of South Carolina, took a back-to-school tour along the South's I-85 corridor, visiting schools in five states.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Journalists wishing to accompany Riley on some or all of the tour should call or e-mail the contact listed above. A more detailed itinerary is available on request.

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