NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Republican Party and the Shelby County Republican Party are co-sponsoring a public forum Monday, March, 23, focusing on the crucial role of education in growing a healthy economy.

The forum, entitled Economic Opportunity Begins With Education, features an A+ panel of diverse education and public policy experts and leaders from across Tennessee who share a commitment to improving education in the state.

“Republicans across Tennessee have long been committed to putting education first in our public policy decisions – a commitment the people of Tennessee saw decades ago when a Republican governor pushed merit pay to attract and retain good teachers, and see today with Republican lawmakers committed to making education the top priority in a tough budget year,” said Robin Smith, Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party. “We’re continuing that commitment with this non-partisan forum being held Monday in the heart of Tennessee’s largest city.”

The Economic Opportunity Begins With Education forum is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. central time at Fogelman Auditorium on the campus of the University of Memphis.

Confirmed panelists include: Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, State Senate Education Committee Chairman Dolores Gresham, State Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Paul Stanley, state House Education Committee member Jim Coley, Memphis School Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash, Shelby County School Board Chairman and President of Tennessee School Boards Association David Pickler, Shelby County School Board member Diane George, and the Rev. Dwight Montgomery, Memphis area chapter President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Memphis School Board member Stephanie Gatewood will serve as moderator.

While there is no charge for attendance, the event co-sponsoring organizations are requesting attendees to bring two items, such as copier paper, USB drives or other items, as a donation, which will be given to teachers in three schools.

To confirm attendance, call the Shelby County Republican Party at 901-682-3335, or register online at http://economicopportunityforum.eventbrite.com.