Dear Colleagues,
As you may already know, I have accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Education, where I will serve as Senior Advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and delegated the responsibilities of Deputy Secretary. I'm excited about this new opportunity to keep working together to advance our common goals.
I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to work with Chancellor Merryl Tisch, the members of the Board of Regents, and all of the dedicated staff at the State Education Department.
As I prepare to take on this new challenge, I'm excited about the opportunity to build on the work we have done together to support our students across the State's classrooms and districts. Together we have inspired colleagues, parents and communities across New York around the notion that we can reach higher standards together - not easily and not without challenges - but we can achieve those goals.
Too many of our students leave high school unprepared for what's next in college and careers. Many of our fellow citizens wonder if their children will have a better life than they did. Ultimately our work is about changing that reality, by delivering opportunities for every young person. As a kid whose life was saved by the incredible teachers I had in Brooklyn public schools, I know first-hand the power that educators have to transform the world.
In December, I spoke to Network Team Institute participants, where I expressed my respect for the great work educators across the state do every day. A video of my speech is available here.
We are making progress because of your courage. Students are achieving more and graduating at higher rates because of your efforts. I thank you for your commitment and hard work, and I look forward to closing that gap between what 'is' and what 'ought' to be, together.
In this issue of News & Notes, you'll hear from a parent who, after learning more about the Common Core, believes the transition to higher standards is good for her daughters. You'll also find information about the 2015-2016 state school aid proposal approved by the Board of Regents last month and high school graduation rates for the 2010 cohort, which show encouraging progress. Lastly, there's news from the Child Nutrition Office about eligibility guidelines for free and reduced price meals.
Thank you for all you do as educators, family and community members in supporting our students. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with all of you on behalf of all our students.
John B. King, Jr.