Gordo Elementary Hosts Governor Ivey’s Back-to-School Tour

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey brought her "Strong Students, Strong Alabama" back to school tour to Gordo Elementary School this morning. The visit highlighted the expansion of new pre-kindergarten programs in Pickens County Schools.

Previously, the county had one centralized pre-K located in Carrollton. Now there are four new sites, including Gordo.

The governor was welcomed by students, faculty, county school and elected officials, Gordo Mayor Elect Robin Edgeworth as well as members of the area's state legislative delegation.

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On her office's Facebook site Ivey wrote, "This morning, I spoke to Gordo Elementary School students about being good citizens of our nation, and I enjoyed spending time with the youngest learners in Pre-K. Even our smallest Alabamians are already learning what it means to be part of the USA."

The governor has been stressing preparedness for next year's 250th anniversary celebration of the founding of the United States. This morning, she included the importance of citizenship in her remarks, "It’s imperative we teach our students to love America and be proud to be Americans."

The former schoolteacher has been telling students on her tour that the future of Alabama and the United States depends on their learning capabilities. “You are the future of our state and our nation. Let me share a phrase for every one of you to carry this school year, ‘Strong students, strong Alabama.'”

Alabama is now ranked 32nd nationwide in education, which is up from 52nd in 2019.

Pickens County Schools Superintendent Shawn McDaniel thanked the governor for her support for early childhood education, reinforcing the importance of strong beginnings for the youngest learners.

The governor began her "back to School" tour in Montgomery last Wednesday when she visited Carver Elementary Arts and Magnet School.