"I am pleased to sit down with education professionals and

hear the concerns of those, like principal Perry, who are in the

schools on a day-to-day basis," Coverdell said.

"Despite President Clinton's disappointing decision to

support federal control of education, we will continue pushing for

local and parental decision-making power to give our children

the best educations possible," he added.

Specifically, Education Savings Accounts would allow

parents to place as much as $2,000 per year, per child, in a

designated savings account. These after-tax, non-government dollars

would earn interest at a tax-free rate and could be used for education

expenses (home computers, transportation, tutoring, tuition)

associated with any K-12 school. The package also includes

provisions that support teacher testing and merit pay, make college more

affordable, and improve literacy.

Coverdell and Perry also discussed the legislative progress

of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Senate

will consider the act later this session as part of the appropriations

process. Long a supporter of IDEA, Coverdell included the

provision in his Safe and Affordable Schools Act.

"My colleagues in the Senate and I have made education a

top priority this session. I continue pursuing our goal of

providing safe, quality schools for our nation's children," Coverdell said.

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