SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today praised Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's selection of David Long, Ph.D. as Secretary of Education. Dr. Long is currently the Superintendent of Schools for Riverside County.

"Dave Long is an outstanding educator and a longtime friend," O'Connell said. 

"Dave has a keen understanding of the important link between the success of our economy and the success of our schools. He has been a leader on implementing effective intervention programs for challenged schools and has also been a champion of improving school facilities. I know that Dave shares my deep concern about the need to close the achievement gap in California, and I look forward to working with him on this critical issue. I commend Governor Schwarzenegger for appointing such an outstanding advocate for California students.

"I also would like to compliment Acting Secretary of Education Scott Himelstein for his work on behalf of public education. I worked closely with Scott on many projects, most recently in requesting and reviewing the unprecedented research on education funding that was released a few weeks ago. He is a valued colleague who is committed to improving schools in our state."