State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Announces Appointment of Geno Flores as Chief Deputy Superintendent
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced today the appointment of Geno Flores, an administrator with the Los Angeles Unified School District, to the position of Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction for the California Department of Education (CDE), effective July 1.The appointment marks the return to CDE by Flores, whom O'Connell previously tapped to serve as a Deputy Superintendent in 2003 at the outset of his administration.
"I am so pleased that Geno has agreed to rejoin the California Department of Education," O'Connell said. "He has outstanding leadership qualities and an extensive background in the field of education. His experience and knowledge about education issues, policies, and challenges make him a perfect choice for this key post in my administration."
Most recently, Flores served as Executive Director of School Improvement for the Los Angeles Unified School District since late 2009. From 2008 to 2009, he was Chief Academic Officer for Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland, and from 2005 to 2008, served as a Deputy Superintendent for the San Diego Unified School District. Between 1996 and 2003, Flores was Director of Accountability for the Long Beach Unified School District and brought that expertise to CDE where Flores was Deputy Superintendent of the then-Assessment and Accountability Branch from 2003 to 2005, and was responsible for overseeing assessment and accountability programs as well as the collection and reporting of education data.
Flores will replace Gavin Payne, who has been Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction since O'Connell was elected to office in 2002. Payne is one of O'Connell's most trusted advisors, and served as chief of staff during much of O'Connell's 20-year tenure in the legislature. Payne recently announced he is resigning his position at CDE in order to embark on a new venture serving as a consultant to state and national clients on education and public policy issues.
"Gavin is a great friend to me and a great friend to the students of California," O'Connell said. "I will miss working with him on a daily basis but know that Gavin will remain a staunch advocate for high-quality public education in California. I wish him the very best in the opportunities that await him, and always will count him among my closest friends," said O'Connell.
