February 28, 2008
State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Comments
on Election of New Assembly Speaker Karen Bass
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today commented on the election of new legislative leadership. Assemblymember Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) becomes the 67th Speaker of the California Assembly and the first African-American woman elected to the position:
"I am delighted with the election of Karen Bass as Assembly Speaker and congratulate her on this well-deserved position of leadership,” said O'Connell. "With Assemblymember Bass as Speaker and Senator Darrell Steinberg as Senate President Pro Tem-Elect, California's schools and students will be served by an education dream team.
"Both leaders have proven track records of supporting public schools and working to close the achievement gap to help all students succeed. Now that a promising new leadership team is in place, we all must work together over the next few critical years to create the conditions for improving student achievement and preparing all students to thrive in a demanding global economy."
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Jack O'Connell —
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
1430 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814