Corn was appointed for the position by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan and Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee. Corn said he was honored by the appointment, and was looking forward to meeting with legislators from other states to discuss education.
"There are a lot of issues Oklahoma has in common with other states located throughout the southern region of the country. The federal No Child Left Behind requirements are of course a major concern throughout the nation," Corn said. "We all share the common goal of wanting to help our schools do the best job possible, because ultimately, the quality of education our children receive impacts the quality of life they will lead as adults."
Corn, who is a member of the State Senate Committee on Education, has authored several key provisions this year, including legislation to strengthen the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma as well as a bill to improve Oklahoma's high school graduation rates.
"If you want to reduce poverty, reduce crime, reduce reliance welfare and other government programs, then the key is to make sure more of our children stay in school and get their high school diplomas," Corn said. "We also need to encourage them to continue their education after high school, whether it is through a career tech or college."
Corn said working with other members of the conference education committee would give him an opportunity learn how other states are tackling some of these very same issues, and share the progress Oklahoma has made.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to gain additional insight into all of these issues. We've made some important strides in education in Oklahoma, including improving our teacher salaries and making scholarships available to thousands of youths through the Oklahoma Promise program," Corn said. "Having information about what other states are doing can help us build on those successes."
