Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Praises Governor-Elect Jerry Brown for Pledge to Eliminate Office of the Secretary for Education, Work Collaboratively with CDE
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today issued the following statement regarding Governor-Elect Jerry Brown's plan to eliminate the position of Secretary for Education.
"I applaud Jerry Brown's decision to work closely with the California Department of Education and the State Board of Education, and eliminate the position of Secretary for Education. For too long, governance of education policy in California has been buffeted by too many competing forces. While I have admired and worked collaboratively with many appointed secretaries of education, the position itself is redundant and unnecessary. Eliminating unneeded government positions makes all the sense in the world, particularly in this era of extreme financial crisis.
"Governor-elect Brown is passionate about improving California. He and I agree that there is no greater investment in California's future than our students. The California Department of Education stands ready to work with the Brown Administration to help improve public education, close the achievement gap, and help all students reach their full potential."
