SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell issued the following statement today on the nomination by President Bush of Margaret Spellings to become the nation's eighth Secretary of Education.

"I am pleased that Margaret Spellings was selected to oversee what is the most vital link to our nation's future, the education of America 's children. As a product of public education, an architect of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and a dedicated reformer, Ms. Spellings keenly understands what it takes to move our schools forward.

"Her selection marks a tremendous opportunity to pursue with renewed vigor, the landmark NCLB law that challenges all students and schools to reach a new level of proficiency and success. There is no doubt that we all agree with the goals of NCLB. I look forward to working with her toward constructing a more flexible NCLB that more accurately tracks student learning and ensures true accountability."