NEW: Gist Endorses Caruolo for Regents Chair

NEW: Gist Endorses Caruolo for Regents Chair

Education Commissioner Deborah Gist has come out strongly in favor of George Caruolo being the new chairman of the Board of Regents, according to a statement.

“Chairman-nominee Caruolo is widely known and respected for his work as House Majority Leader in the General Assembly,” Gist said. “He championed numerous education reforms, including the legislation that established our first charter public schools. He will be a staunch and tireless advocate in support of public education in Rhode Island, and I look forward to working with him and the Board of Regents to transform education in our state.”

Gist said Caruolo supported the department’s strategic plan for improving education and taking advantage of the $75 million Race to the Top grant.

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THE FULL STATEMENT:

I want to take this opportunity to express my endorsement of Governor Chafee’s nominee to serve as the next Chairman of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education, George D. Caruolo.

Chairman-nominee Caruolo is widely known and respected for his work as House Majority Leader in the General Assembly. He championed numerous education reforms, including the legislation that established our first charter public schools. He will be a staunch and tireless advocate in support of public education in Rhode Island, and I look forward to working with him and the Board of Regents to transform education in our state.

Since Governor Chafee put his name in nomination, I have had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Caruolo several times to discuss in detail our strategic plan for transforming education. I share with Mr. Caruolo the belief that we need to be smart about the ways in which we implement reforms, and I am confident that Mr. Caruolo shares with me a sense of urgency regarding the work ahead of us and a commitment to getting this work done.

Mr. Caruolo has expressed his support for the priorities in our strategic plan, which include ensuring educator excellence, moving our lowest-achieving schools toward greatness, adopting world-class standards and assessments, building user-friendly data systems, and using our resources wisely. Under the leadership of Governor Chafee and Mr. Caruolo, we will continue to establish innovative schools and programs, such as charter public schools, and multiple pathways toward graduation.

Governor Chafee, Mr. Caruolo, and I are proud that the U.S. Department of Education has recognized the education reforms under way in Rhode Island and has awarded us a $75-million Race to the Top grant to put our strategic plan into action. Under Mr. Caruolo’s leadership, I am confident that the Board of Regents will make wise policy decisions that will guide us as we implement this once-in-a-generation grant opportunity.

Mr. Caruolo and I agree that when we work collaboratively, we will be most effective. By working in partnership with educators, families, students, business and labor leaders, community members, and elected officials, we will fulfill the promise of Race to the Top and make our schools America’s best. Mr. Caruolo will be a strong leader to champion this journey. I urge the Senate to confirm the nomination of George D. Caruolo as Chairman of the Board of Regents.