(L to R) Dr. Harold Dodge, superintendent, Mobile County Public School System, Dr. Faron Hollinger, superintendent, Baldwin County Public School System, Gordon Moulton, President, University of South Alabama, David Thomas, Campus Director, Bishop State Community College, Lena Dexter, Dean of Federal Programs, Faulkner State Community College.

Public education leaders from the Alabama Gulf Coast held a news conference today to show solidarity of support for Gov. Bob Riley’s tax reform proposals. The news conference took place at the University of South Alabama.

“We’re investing in the future of Alabama,” University of South Alabama President Gordon Moulton told more than 100 supporters representing K-12, community colleges and higher education. “Join us in a vigorous campaign to move Alabama forward. It’s the right and timely thing to do,” he said.

Dr. Harold Dodge, superintendent of the Mobile County Public School System, warned that class sizes “will explode in the fall” if more revenue isn’t forthcoming. “We are on the verge of a catastrophe,” said Dr. Faron Hollinger, superintendent of Baldwin County’s public school system. “Gov. Riley’s plan is essential for Alabama,” he added.

The news conference brought together different levels of public education that at times have been pitted against each other for revenue. “We cannot compete with ourselves in order to do what must be done for our children,” Lena Dexter, dean of federal programs at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette, said.

“The governor’s tax package will provide quality education with accountability,” said David Thomas, campus director at Bishop State Community College in Mobile.