Release: #08-85
July 1, 2008

Contact: Hilary McLean
E-mail: communications@cde.ca.gov
Phone: 916-319-0818

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today issued the following statement regarding San Bernardino County Superintendent Herb Fischer's announcement today that he intends to retire at the end of August.

"Dr. Herb Fischer is a dear friend to me and a great friend to students and schools in California. Over the past 39 years, Herb has provided tremendous leadership on public education issues in our state. As the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools for most of the last decade, Herb always has held high standards for students and school staff and has worked hard to help all students meet the challenge of high expectations. He also has also been an important collaborator in our work to close the achievement gap. I deeply appreciate Herb's service on my statewide P-16 Council and his enduring passion to improve our public schools.

"I will miss working with Herb in his capacity as a county superintendent, but I will always value his friendship and I intend to continue to seek his counsel and advice on matters concerning students in California."