(PLEASANT HILL, Iowa) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today highlighted the success of the innovative new Teacher Leadership and Compensation System (TLC) at Southeast Polk Junior High School during his weekly press conference. The press conference occurred following the last of three visits with school districts this month to learn how they are using TLC to raise student achievement and raise the status of the teaching profession. The TLC discussion at Southeast Polk followed visits to the Benton and Rock Valley school districts. Southeast Polk is one of the 39 school districts across the state launching the first year of the TLC program.

"As we visit with school districts engaged in the Teacher Leadership and Compensation System, which is the centerpiece of Iowa's landmark 2013 education reform package, we're hearing that better utilizing teacher expertise and creating more time for collaboration is transforming instruction," said Branstad. "Though much work lies ahead, we know that teacher leadership will drive the other reforms needed to give Iowa students a world-class education and revitalize the teaching profession."

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, who participated in the roundtables in both Rock Valley and Benton school districts, was unable to attend the Southeast Polk roundtable discussion because she is leading a trade mission to Brazil.

"We have more people in leadership positions, which creates more time to get things done," said Rock Valley Community School Superintendent Chad Janzen about why TLC is helping to transform instruction in his district of 840 students.

The TLC system was launched with 39 school districts that enroll about one-third of Iowa's students. Seventy-six additional school districts, representing another third of Iowa student enrollment, will join the program next school year (2015-2016). All 338 school districts will have the option of joining the TLC system by the 2016-2017 school year. When fully phased in, the program will cost about $150 million annually, and much of the funding will be used to increase teacher leaders' salaries and attract more individuals to the teaching profession by offering more competitive starting salaries.

"I'm optimistic that within a few years every school district in Iowa will be part of TLC, which is the most comprehensive teacher leadership system in the country," said Iowa Department of Education Deputy Director Ryan Wise, who oversees the TLC system for the state. "This exciting work is about supporting teachers to do their best work so that our students can do their best work."

Branstad concluded by saying, "Lieutenant Governor Reynolds and I believe that every Iowa child deserves a globally competitive education, and we know that starts with great teaching in every classroom. The Teacher Leadership and Compensation System is working to ensure we're attracting the best and brightest to the classroom."

Burlington takes seven-inning Game 1, 4-2, and Quad Cities rallies for 7-6 win in 12-inning Game 2

DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 26, 2015) - Within a strike of being swept in a home doubleheader Sunday, the Quad Cities River Bandits got a seventh-inning, game-tying RBI single by left fielder Jorge Martinez, and a walk-off sacrifice fly by shortstop Thomas Lindauer in the 12^th inning of a 7-6 Game 2 win that gained the club a split with the Burlington Bees in front of 1,955 at Modern Woodmen Park.

After dropping a 4-2, seven-inning final in Game 1 Sunday afternoon for their first consecutive losses of the season, the first-place River Bandits (13-5) overcame deficits of 2-1, 5-4 and 6-5 for their first walk-off win of the season, which gave them a two-game lead over Burlington (11-7) and Cedar Rapids (11-7) in the Western Division standings.

Burlington held the lead for all of Game 1 after a two-out, two-run double by catcher Wade Wass in the first inning against River Bandits left-hander Chris Lee (0-2). Quad Cities scored on a first-inning RBI single by third baseman Nick Tanielu, but the Bees extended the lead to 3-1 on an RBI single by first baseman Ryan Seiz in the third inning against Lee, who allowed three earned runs on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts in the first four innings. Right-hander Eric Peterson gave Quad Cities 2 1/3 relief innings but yielded an RBI double in the seventh inning to Wass before left-hander Albert Minnis got the final two outs to keep the River Bandits within 4-2. Bees right-hander Michael Bolaski (1-2) held Quad Cities to two earned runs on five hits and one walk with two strikeouts in six innings to earn the win, and right-hander Eduardo Paredes struck out the side in the seventh inning for his Midwest League-leading fourth save.

In the second game, the River Bandits took the lead in the first inning, as center fielder Bobby Boyd began his three-hit game with a single and eventually scored on Tanielu's RBI single against right-hander Justin Anderson. But the Bees never trailed for more than a half inning against River Bandits right-hander Kevin Comer. In the second inning, right fielder Natanael Delgado singled and scored when Martinez misplayed Seiz's double in left field. Bees left fielder Exicardo Cayones singled home Seiz for a 2-1 Burlington lead.

The River Bandits retook the lead in the third inning, when designated hitter Jamie Ritchie walked, went to second base on a sacrifice and scored following singles by Tanielu and catcher Alfredo Gonzalez. First baseman Bryan Muñiz later capped the three-run inning with a two-out, two-run, go-ahead double to left field. Trailing 4-2, the Bees answered in the top of the fourth inning by putting the first four batters on base with three singles and a hit batter. Cayones hit an RBI single, and a ground-ball double play tied the game before a wild pitch scored the go-ahead run. The River Bandits retied the game in the bottom of the inning, as Boyd doubled and scored on Ritchie's RBI single to chase Anderson, who yielded five earned runs on eight hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings.

Bees second baseman Andrew Daniel broke the 5-5 tie with a fifth-inning, leadoff home run off Comer, who lasted 5 2/3 innings, allowing six earned runs on a career-high 11 hits with two strikeouts. Quad Cities relievers followed with 6 1/3 scoreless innings from right-handers Keegan Yuhl (2 1/3), Ryan Thompson (3) and Jose Montero (1), who earned his first win by working around two walks in the 12^th inning.

After 2 2/3 scoreless innings by Bees right-hander Ronnie Muck, right-hander Jordan Piche got the first two outs in the seventh inning before right fielder Ryan Bottger, Muñiz and Martinez hit consecutive singles to tie the game, 6-6. With the winning run at third base, Piche got Lindauer to ground out to end the inning. The bullpens dueled until the bottom of the 12^th inning, when Bees right-hander Alex Klonowski (0-2) allowed a leadoff base hit by Gonzalez, who gained a triple when center fielder Michael Hermosillo stumbled and did not reach the ball before it went to the wall. Two intentional walks around a groundout loaded the bases with one out, before Lindauer flied to right field, and Gonzalez beat Delgado's throw home for the winning run - six hours and 20 minutes after the doubleheader began.

After the first league-wide scheduled off day Monday, the River Bandits open a three-game series with Cedar Rapids at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Modern Woodmen Park. River Bandits left-hander Bryan Radziewski (1-0) is scheduled to face Kernels right-hander Jared Wilson (2-0).

UP NEXT: Participants in the Book Buddies program will be at Modern Woodmen Park for the 11 a.m. game Tuesday. Dew for Twosday presented by Pepsi, WOC and Q106.5 means all regular tickets are buy-one-get-one free, and fans who bring an old can of Mountain Dew to the ballpark can receive a voucher for a free 16-ounce Mountain Dew. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has hired the state's Chief Information Officer, and made appointments to the Illinois Community College Board, the Capital Development Board, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, the Illinois Health Facilities and Review Board, and the Illinois Workforce Investment Board.

Name: Hardik Bhatt

Position: Chief Information Officer

Governor Bruce Rauner has selected Hardik Bhatt to become Illinois' Chief Information Officer (CIO). His experience in the private and public sectors in information technology will help transform Illinois' IT infrastructure so it's more efficient and accessible.

As the state CIO, Bhatt will work with all state agencies to align, utilize and streamline technology usage to fit their business priorities in order to transform services provided by state agencies to their constituents. Bhatt also leads the Bureau of Computer and Communication Services and is responsible for IT infrastructure, service delivery and governance across the state.

Prior to joining the State of Illinois, Bhatt was a Senior Director with Cisco and led the market development function for Internet of Everything for Global Public Sector. As part of that, Bhatt worked with mayors, governors and CIOs to help them extract value by connecting the unconnected public assets like parking spots, trash cans, streetlights, etc. Prior to that, Bhatt led Cisco's Business Development for the Americas for Cisco's Smart and Connected Communities Business.

Bhatt joined Cisco in 2010, after being the Chief Information Officer for the City of Chicago and Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Innovation and Technology for five years. Bhatt also built and led the Smart Chicago program, which is considered a national model for improving access to affordable broadband in the community, while increasing technology awareness, talent and usage.

Bhatt has an MBA from Northwestern and a bachelor's degree in computer science from MS University in Baroda, India. He lives in Chicago.

Name: Cheryl Hyman

Position: Board Member - Illinois Community College Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Chancellor Cheryl Hyman to the Illinois Community College Board. In addition to her work as a community college administrator, she is a graduate of Olive Harvey College, a unit of CCC, bringing a dual perspective to the board.

As chancellor, Hyman has led a reinvention initiative to ensure all CCC students are prepared for further education and careers. Under her tenure, the graduation rate has doubled and enrollment has increased. She has made student success her number-one priority, guiding more than 115,000 students annually.

Prior to her work with CCC, Hyman was the Vice President of Operations Strategy and Business Intelligence at ComEd. She was responsible for the operational strategies of the utility. She started working with ComEd in 1996 and worked her way through the company in a number of different areas including information technology, community and economic development, and government and legislative affairs.

The odds were stacked against Hyman; she grew up in poverty and dropped out of high school at 17. She realized she wanted more out of life, earning her diploma and eventually an associate's degree from Olive Harvey College. She's able to identify with many of the students who come to CCC trying to make a better life for themselves.

Hyman went on to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science from the Illinois Institute of Technology. She holds a master's degree from North Park University and an Executive Masters of Business Administration from Northwestern University. Hyman is also a board member of Complete College America, which is an organization that works to improve college graduation rates. She lives in Chicago.

Name: James Reilly

Position: Chairman - Capital Development Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed former State Representative James Reilly as the Chairman of the Capital Development Board. Reilly brings decades of experience in public sector development.

Reilly is the former CEO of the Metropolitan Planning and Exposition Authority (MPEA), where he oversaw operations and policy. He held the position twice, from 1989-1999 and from 2012-2015. He has overseen the redevelopment of Navy Pier, expansion of McCormick Place and development of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. He also served as a trustee of the MPEA from 2010 to 2012 before his second tenure as CEO.

In between stints at the MPEA, Reilly was a consultant to the hospitality industry at the Reilly Consultant Group. He was also the chairman of the Regional Transit Authority from 2005-2010 and was the CEO of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau from 1999-2004.

Reilly has extensive experience in state government, serving as chief of staff to Governor Jim Edgar from 1994-1995 and for Governor Jim Thompson from 1983 to 1989. He also served in the General Assembly for six years as a state representative.

Reilly earned his bachelor's degree from Illinois College and a law degree from the University of Chicago. He lives in Chicago.

Name: Steven Orlando

Position: Board Member - Capital Development Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Steven Orlando to the Capital Development Board. Orlando brings a marketing and insurance background to the board.

Currently, Orlando is the Vice President of Sales for the Candos Agency, which is an insurance and financial services agency. He has worked for the agency since 2005 and markets health insurance and other benefits to small employers and individuals.

Prior to the Candos Agency, Orlando worked for Heartland Blood Centers as a marketing representative. He assisted churches, businesses and high schools with blood drives by recruiting donor and supplying prizes and gifts. Orlando also worked at Farmers Insurance for nearly three years as a personal lines underwriter.

Orlando earned his bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University. He lives in Plainfield.

Name: Hermene Hartman

Position: Commissioner - Human Rights Commission

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Hermene Hartman to the Human Rights Commission. Hartman is an accomplished communications consultant and founded N'DIGO, which is a weekly newspaper targeted at Chicago's black middle class.

Hartman founded N'DIGO in 1989 to showcase the lifestyles, trends, issues and interests of Chicago's African-American community. It currently has a readership of 500,000 and is distributed across the city. In addition, she also publishes N'DIGO Profiles, which is an annual magazine that presents an ongoing anthology of Black Chicago. It's distributed in the Chicago Tribune and Crain's Chicago Business in March.

Hartman holds a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees from Roosevelt University. She also earned a certificate in business administration from the University of Illinois. Hartman lives in Chicago.

Name: Joel Johnson

Position: Board Member - Health Facilities and Services Review Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Joel Johnson to the Health Facilities and Services Review Board. He has more than 20 years of experience in the health and human services field.

Currently, Johnson is the President and CEO of the Human Resources Development Institute, Inc., a human service organization focusing on behavioral health and substance abuse treatment.

Previously, Johnson was the COO for SOS Children's Villages of Chicago, which is a multi-site, fully accredited, foster care agency that worked to keep sibling groups together while in substitute care. He also was the director of the Midwest region for the Child Welfare League of America and the assistant director of child welfare services for Chicago Commons, which provided leadership to child welfare professionals.

Johnson earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree from Florida A&M University. He also holds a certificate in non-profit management from the University of Illinois - Chicago. He lives in Chicago.

Name: Marlon McClinton

Position: Board Member - Illinois Workforce Investment Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Marlon McClinton to the Illinois Workforce Investment Board. He brings more than 20 years of experience in business transformation and management to the board.

McClinton is currently the President and CEO of Utilivate Technologies, which provides energy management services, management consulting and professional management services to companies. Prior to that he was the Vice President at Gas Research Institute, where he was responsible for gas operations, and product development for residential, commercial and industrial areas. He led teams that delivered more than 15 hardware and software products to the marketplace on an annual basis.

McClinton is a graduate of Northwestern University, earning a bachelor's degree and master's degree in engineering, as well as an MBA. He lives in Chicago.

Name: Sylvia Wetzel

Position: Board Member - Illinois Workforce Investment Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Sylvia Wetzel to the Illinois Workforce Development Board. She brings 35 years of experience in marketing and business development to the position.

Wetzel is currently the Vice President of Human Capital and Corporate Wellness at Bison Gear and Engineering. She works to develop the company's workforce through education and policy at her company and by advocating for manufacturing careers with the general public. Prior to that she was the Executive Director of Eastgate Manor Assisted/Supportive Living, and transformed the organization in 90 days by turning losses into profits. She has also worked for AT&T Network Systems.

Wetzel is a graduate of Judson College, earning her bachelor's degree in business management and leadership. She lives in Elgin.

ROCK ISLAND, Illinois - The Hungry Hobo announced the re-grand opening of its Elmore store.  The store is located at 4810 Elmore Avenue in Davenport, and open Monday through Saturday from 10:00A to 8:00P, and Sunday from 11:00A to 7:00P.  A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place with the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce on Friday, May 15th at 4:00P.

"While we're in the process of expanding our concept in Eastern Iowa, we also need to make sure our stores in the Quad Cities continue to be as inviting as possible." said Pryce T. Boeye, President and CEO of the company.  "In this case, we were able to refurbish our Elmore store, which was opened roughly 12 years ago.  We've also taken this opportunity to incorporate some of our new décor package, which debuted with the opening of our LeClaire store in 2011."

The Hungry Hobo is a chain of sandwich shops that was created in 1973 by Jim Gende, Ray Pearson, Joe Gende, and Tom Spero.  The concept specializes in sliced-to-order and grilled sandwiches, baked potatoes with a variety of toppings, chef-prepared soups, shredded-lettuce salads, and desserts that are baked daily in The Hobo Bakery.  They have 13 convenient Quad-City area locations, accept all major credit cards, deliver box lunches and party items, and have made their everyday menu available for delivery through www.good2goqc.com.  They also have a smart phone app and mobile rewards program, and have been voted Best Deli, Best Deli Sandwiches, and Most Distinctly Quad Cities Fast Food.  For more information, visit www.hungryhobo.com, www.facebook.com/hungryhobo, and www.twitter.com/hungryhobo11.