Not only does Dr. Reed tend to business in the State House on a day-to-day basis, she also stays connected to local schools. In her first, second, and third terms of office from 1997 to 2004, Dr. Reed visited schools in each of Indiana's 92 counties, a first for an Indiana statewide officeholder.

"The work I do in the State House is very important. By visiting schools throughout the state, I can see firsthand the successes, opportunities, and challenges that local school communities experience. These visits keep me in touch and focused on how we can best meet the needs of all of Indiana's schools."