Gary Hart Appointment Gets `Thumbs Up' From California School Boards Association

Business Wire, Dec 2, 1998

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 1998--The California School Boards Association is pleased to learn of the appointment of Gary Hart as education secretary.

CSBA views this appointment as an excellent choice, as Hart has the experience in education which will enable him to make a substantial impact in the implementation and development of the numerous reforms recently passed by the legislature and voters.

While in the legislature, Hart chaired the Senate Education Committee, and since has devoted his career to education issues, providing Hart with the necessary knowledge to understand the impact these reforms will have on school boards across the state.

"By appointing Gary Hart, Governor-Elect Gray Davis has chosen someone who is not only well respected by all segments of the education community, but has the experience and understanding to make a significant impact on education issues facing the state," stated John D'Amelio, president of CSBA.

With such recent massive education reforms currently being sorted through by school districts, including implementation of class-size reduction, adoption of world-class standards in English, social science and physical science, as well as an unprecedented investment in textbooks and technology, it is important that districts be given the time and resources to fully implement these reforms.

"Gary Hart has the vision and ability to steer California in the right direction. CSBA looks forward to working with the new administration to ensure that these reforms continue to be part of the ultimate vision for California's public schools," D'Amelio said.

As districts attempt to implement reforms, one issue of particular importance to CSBA is the development of a single K-12 master plan; there needs to be a connection between each reform effort and how it fits into the long-term educational objectives.

By crafting a master plan, educational leaders, the public and local officials, including local school boards, would have a much clearer vision of the expectations placed upon all education stakeholders.