CHARLESTON – Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) welcomed Margaret Spellings, the U.S. Secretary of Education, to Charleston today where Spellings addressed students at St. Albans High School and participated in an education policy roundtable at the State Capitol.

"As we continue our efforts to support quality teaching and improve student performance, we welcome Secretary Spellings to West Virginia," said Capito.   "I appreciate the Secretary’s willingness to meet and hear from West Virginia educators, parents and school administrators in today’s roundtable.  We all have an interest in ensuring that our students are prepared for the 21st century, and today’s roundtable presented an opportunity to move that dialogue forward."

Speaking to students at St. Albans High School, Secretary Spellings applauded the dedication of West Virginia educators and called for continued efforts to improve and support Mountain State schools. 

At the afternoon roundtable, Capito moderated a policy discussion between Spellings and leading members of the West Virginia education community including State Superintendent Steve Payne, State Board of Education President Delores Cook, First Lady Gayle Manchin, Kanawha County Superintendent Ron Duerring and others.

"We had a very frank discussion this afternoon on an issue that matters to West Virginians," said Capito. "Each of the roundtable participants brought a unique voice to the table and I know the Secretary appreciated their input."

Capito is the sponsor of legislation that would expand tax credits for teachers and principals serving low-income schools and provide incentives for public school renovations.  She is also a sponsor of legislation to assist rural schools with revenue shortfalls resulting from large areas of un-taxable federal land. 

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