Education.com
CEO Ronald Fortune
Tech Positive: More technology in the classroom
Education Negative: Throw out No Child Left Behind
Party: Democratic
Tech Favorite: Too close to call
Prediction: Too close to call
Funding: None
Redwood City, California-based Education.com is an online educational resource for parents of children in preschool through grade 12. Founded in 2006, the Azure Capital- and TeleSoft Partners-backed site gives parents the ability to search reference articles, browse editorial content, and share advice with other moms and dads. Prior to Education.com, Mr. Fortune served for ten years as CEO of Computer Curriculum, which became the largest educational software company in the United States.
Education.com CEO Ronald Fortune spoke with Red Herring about his presidential pick for 2008’s Super Tuesday.
What would you like the next U.S. president to do to benefit tech companies and education?
I’d like to see a greater emphasis on the part of the federal government to continue to contribute to the funding of technology and education. We need to do more in terms of staff development. We need to do more in terms of access. Progress has been made, but more needs to be done.
What’s something a president could do that would harm the U.S. tech industry and education?
What would be a mistake is to throw out No Child Left Behind. It’s very controversial. There are indeed lots of negatives with No Child Left Behind, but I think we should not forget some of the positives. Putting the spotlight on the country’s underserved children is huge.
Do you have a favorite candidate?
I happen to like the direction that Obama is moving. I think it’s good for education, but I also think it’s good for gaining respect outside of the United States’ borders. The economy is very critical, and I think where we are with the war is also very critical, but I think the biggest challenge is where we stand with the rest of the world. And I think he probably has one of the better opportunities to make that contribution to the country.
Which candidate are educators, VCs, and tech execs most excited about?
It’s well-known that teachers tend to vote democratic as opposed to republican. As to who teachers favor, one candidate over the other, it’s very close.
In business, we put a lot of emphasis on economics, and I think that’s one reason that the republican ticket is often attractive, just because people tend to vote with the pocketbook.
Prediction?
A year ago, I thought McCain would be in this position. I also thought Al Gore would get the democratic nomination. I believe the race will be too close to call. I also believe that external conditions such as Iraq, Iran, Korea, and McCain's health can influence the election.
Has your company made any campaign contributions?
It’s on an individual basis.