mikepence.com

Gov. Mike Pence at an Indianapolis luncheon. (mikepence.com) (January 25, 2013)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana's new governor and state schools chief are from different political parties but they seem in agreement on getting schools to focus more on preparing students for careers.

Republican Gov. Mike Pence and Democratic schools superintendent Glenda Ritz both spoke Friday at the Indiana Education and Workforce Innovation Summit.

Pence focused on his proposals for creating regional councils around Indiana where businesses and educators can help tailor school vocational programs to preparing students for available local jobs. Ritz says schools need such programs for students interested in manufacturing jobs while also getting other students ready for college.

Pence says he agrees with Ritz that Indiana schools must have a "diversity of career pathways" for students.

Friday's summit was organized by the University of Indianapolis.