U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today issued the following statement following a meeting with Washington Mayor Anthony Williams and Washington Councilman Kevin Chavous:

"I'm pleased that I was able to meet with Mayor Williams and Councilman Chavous today. This was just one of what I'm sure will be many conversations about how we can work together to strengthen education in the nation's capital.

"We have many common goals and interests. Foremost is our desire to make sure our children are well prepared with the education they'll need to achieve their dreams. We agreed that one way to achieve these goals is by providing more options to parents and families in the District of Columbia.

"I look forward to continuing this conversation with Mayor Williams, Councilman Chavous, members of Congress and all those who want to help achieve these most important goals."