SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced the appointment of Marsha A. Bedwell as the California Department of Education's (CDE) General Counsel effective immediately.

"Marsha brings a wealth of information vital to the operation of our department, plus a solid background in the workings of state government in general," O'Connell said. "She has been and will continue to be an essential member of our team whose goal it is to ensure educational equity for all our students."

Bedwell has been CDE's acting General Counsel and previously served as Assistant General Counsel. She also has served as an Assistant Superintendent and Director of CDE's School and District Accountability Division and was responsible for policy development and management oversight of CDE's compliance related functions.

Before joining CDE in January 2000, Bedwell was a Deputy Attorney General, Chief Counsel for the Department of Finance and Staff Counsel for the Department of Social Services. Previously, she practiced law in a private firm.

Bedwell holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from King Hall School of Law at the University of California, Davis and a Bachelor of Science from UCD.

The Legal Office is responsible for advising the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the California Department of Education staff on all legal matters. The office also provides general legal assistance, including drafting of legislation, legal opinions, and other documents.

She replaces Linda Cabatic, who resigned in February to become Senior Deputy of Legal Affairs for the Governor.