FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 21, 2009
Contact: Julie White, jwhite@acsa.org, (916) 329-3832

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed longtime ACSA member Glen Thomas as Secretary of Education.

Thomas has been an active member of ACSA for many years, previously serving on its Board of Directors. As executive director for the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association from 1998-2006, he has also worked closely with ACSA on many important educational issues.

"Glen Thomas has served ACSA and public education for many years," said ACSA Executive Director Bob Wells. "He is a dedicated and knowledgeable school leader and I look forward to working with him in his new role." 

Thomas’ service to public education runs the gamut. He began his teaching career in 1970, working with migrant children. His many positions in education include assistant superintendent and director of the Elementary Teaching and Learning Division for the California Department of Education, director for the Education Technology Office for the California Department of Education, deputy executive director for the Commission on the Establishment of Academic Content and Performance Standards, executive secretary for the California State Curriculum Commission, and director for the Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Office for the California Department of Education, among others. He was appointed by former Gov. Pete Wilson to the Academic Standards Commission and served on the High School Exit Exam Committee.

“With over 30 years of experience as a teacher and leader at the local, county and state level, Glen is the right person to make sure California continues to uphold high academic standards during this challenging fiscal time,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger. “He shares my dedication to quality education for every student, and I am confident that he will work collaboratively with the educational community to improve student achievement and expand educational opportunities in our state while also working towards stronger accountability and greater transparency in our educational system.”
  
“I am honored Governor Schwarzenegger has selected me to work with him in this new capacity,” Thomas said. “I am excited to build on existing policies that will strengthen our schools, promote student achievement for every student, create conditions for innovation, promote civic engagement and work through the fiscal challenges we are all facing. I look forward to working with the governor, the Legislature and the educational community to ensure the best possible education for our young people. They are the future of this state.”
 
The position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $175,000. Thomas is a Republican.

###