Phillips Honored for Advocacy on Behalf of Southeast Ohio Students

ATHENS, Ohio— State Rep. Debbie Phillips (D-Albany) today announced she accepted the Friends of CORAS Award, an honor recognizing her advocacy and support for Southeast Ohio students and her promotion of excellence in education.

“The work of CORAS has inspired and informed educational decision makers—not only across Southeast Ohio—but throughout the state,” said Rep. Phillips. “I feel honored to be part of their mission, and to support our area’s students, teachers and schools by promoting policies that increase educational opportunity and promote fairness in school funding.”

Established in 1988, CORAS, or the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools, is a partnership between Ohio University and 136 school districts, educational agencies and higher learning institutions throughout the 32-county Appalachian region in Ohio. The group collectively identifies and advocates on school funding and policy issues that disproportionately affect Appalachian students.

“Progress in the way our state funds our public schools does not happen overnight,” added Rep. Phillips. “But, CORAS’ presence, and the concern, knowledge, and boots-on-the-ground perspective of CORAS members helps us move forward with pragmatic policy improvements. I am often inspired by CORAS members’ passion and depth of knowledge of ways to help our region’s children, and I’m so proud to be considered a Friend of CORAS.”

During her tenure in the legislature, Phillips has been an outspoken advocate for adequate and fair funding of public schools. A graduate of Ohio University, she has built a career fighting for educational opportunities for Ohio’s children. Phillips was the founding Executive Director of the Ohio Fair Schools Campaign, an initiative to promote quality public education. She is serving her third term in the Ohio House where she holds a leadership position as Assistant Minority leader for the Democratic Caucus.