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Community Leaders Sign Education Compact

Alachua County public school students scored better than the statewide average in the Florida Standards Assessments, according to a press release. This is the second year that students took the new Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) in English language arts, math and the algebra and geometry end-of-course exams. Students are still taking the FCAT 2.0 exam in science and in the biology, civics and U.S. History end-of-course exams. (File photo/WUFT News)
Alachua County public school students scored better than the statewide average in the Florida Standards Assessments, according to a press release. This is the second year that students took the new Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) in English language arts, math and the algebra and geometry end-of-course exams. Students are still taking the FCAT 2.0 exam in science and in the biology, civics and U.S. History end-of-course exams. (File photo/WUFT News)

Twenty-one local leaders signed the Alachua County Education Compact on Monday, which hopes to create better opportunities for students and schools.

“The Alachua County Education Compact signals our community’s commitment to outcomes now and over the long term that will measurably benefit our kids,” said Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tim Giuliani.

The compact focuses on early childhood education, parent education, higher education, workforce development and career preparedness. It aims to form a centralized community effort to prepare students for college by helping them establish business connections and develop healthy lifestyles.

Coordinating the efforts of business, government, community and education leaders to create opportunities for students graduating from high school and entering the work force has been in discussion since 2013.

“Schools are the lifeblood in the community and until all Alachua County students and school children have access to school readiness and career opportunities, we all have work to do,” said University of Florida President W. Kent Fuchs.

A stewardship committee of signers will identify the compact's strategies and accountability measures. Ian Fletcher, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce vice president of workforce development, estimates that these will be established no later than October.

Natalia is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.