Survey reveals sharp differences between business and educators on school issues.
The six-state survey asked 1,000 New England movers and shakers and 1,000 New England households their opinions on pressing public policy issues, regional economic prospects and opportunities for interstate collaboration. Among the findings, nearly 90 percent of New England opinion leaders say the region should work collaboratively toward regional goals, but just 36 percent say they have worked on projects with governments or organizations from other states or countries. The survey also reveals sharp disagreement between business and education leaders on ways to improve K-12 education. Following are some K-12 reform proposals where education and business leaders diverged. Pingree urges New England to become the first region to provide health care for all and, rather than fear the cost implications for business, to talk up universal care as a way to attract companies and skilled workers to the region.