Paige seeks reforms within education department - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, Nov 22, 2001

U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Roderick R. Paige is unveiling a comprehensive plan to reform the department's accounting and record-keeping practices with a goal toward improving efficiency of student financial aid services.

Six months ago, the U.S. General Accounting Office criticized the Education Department for inadequate financial reporting and poor control of information systems. In response, Paige initiated a reform plan that resulted in a new report, The Blueprint for Management Excellence. In releasing the report in late October, the secretary called it "a road map for improving the department's management in the future."

The new plan calls for a major modernization of the student aid system to reduce the risks of fraud and abuse. Another goal is to increase collections on loan defaults. Even though the nation has cut its student loan default rates in recent years, students are borrowing more money than ever because of increased tuition.

Under the plan, Paige says the education department will be able to conduct extensive business with customers online by 2003. For more information, visit the Web site at <www.ed.gov>.