DES MOINES — Already the longest serving governor in Iowa’s history, Gov. Terry Branstad was sworn in to a fifth term Friday at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines and promised a resurgence in quality of education in the state.

“Providing Iowa’s children with a globally competitive education is key to their future; and the future of this state,” Branstad told the crowd. “Employers say they need a better-prepared, better-trained work force. That means higher expectations for schools.”

He promised reform and to have a “first-rate teacher in every classroom,” but also said parents must be a part of the renewed commitment.

Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds both took their oaths of office and gave speeches focused on decreasing the size of government and improving education, earning Reynolds a standing ovation when she said: “Together, we will reshape education. To make sure that from pre-school to the universities you have access to the best education in the world.”

The returning governor spoke of education but also said he sought another term as governor because he yearned to serve and encouraged others to serve the state as well. He also promised to place state budgets online to make his administration more transparent.

“We will get back on track with a slimmer, better-managed and sustainable government you can count on when you need it,” Branstad said. “And it will start by opening up to the people our budgets, briefings and the like. Sunshine remains the best cure for what ails our government.”

The Heartland Youth Choir and the Iowa National Guard Band performed at the ceremony, and many top officials attended such as former Gov. Bob Ray — whom Branstad served as lieutenant governor under before making his own bid — and former Lt. Govs. Joy Corning and Sally Pederson. Corning was Branstad’s lieutenant governor in the the 1990s; Pederson served under Tom Vilsack.

Check out the slideshow of Branstad’s inauguration.