Obama pledges schools upgrade in stimulus plan

Barack Obama probably cannot fix every leaky roof and busted boiler in the nation’s schools. But educators say his sweeping school modernization program — if he spends enough — could jump-start student achievement.

More kids than ever are crammed into aging, run-down schools that need an estimated $255 billion in repairs, renovations or construction. While the president-elect is likely to ask Congress for only a fraction of that, education experts say it still could make a big difference.

"The need is definitely out there," said Robert Canavan, chairman of the Rebuild America’s Schools http://rebuildamericasschools.org/ coalition, which includes both teachers’ unions and large education groups. "A federal investment of that magnitude would really have a significant impact."

By Libby Quaid, Associated Press

Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-12-31-obama-schools_N.htm