SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today issued the following statement regarding the newly elected officers for the State Board of Education:

"I am very pleased at the election of Ruth E. Green as president of the State Board of Education. Ruth is a longtime friend from the central coast who has worked tirelessly as an advocate for public schools and students for many years.   She brings to the position of board president a strong background in curriculum and assessment, and long dedication to serving the needs of our most at-risk students.   I have worked with Ruth on education issues for years, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with her at this critical time for public education in California.

"I am also pleased that Glee Johnson will serve as the board's vice-president. Glee has worked on education policy at the highest levels of state government for many years. She has a strong background in education finance, and served the state of California in the years when rigorous academic standards and accountability were first discussed and developed.

"Our most important goal over the next few years in California will be to improve upon the academic achievement gains made by our schools over the past five years. I feel confident that today's election will help us stay the course with high standards, school accountability, and support for all students under the leadership of this board.  

"Finally, I want to acknowledge the outstanding service to our schools and students of outgoing board president Reed Hastings. He served during a critical period for K-12 education in our state, as school and student assessment and accountability measures were adopted, implemented, and improved upon over several challenging years. California schools, parents, and students owe Reed their gratitude for steering a positive course during his tenure as board president, and I am very pleased that he is staying on the board to continue to serve our public schools. All Californians can be assured that the State Board of Education will remain under strong leadership with the officers elected today."