I
am announcing today my intention to appoint George Caruolo as Chairman of the
Rhode Island Board of Education, pending confirmation by the Rhode Island
Senate.
During
his time as a state representative, George earned a reputation as an active
participant in our state’s efforts to improve public education. More recently, I
have witnessed first-hand George’s energy, knowledge, and experience as a member
of the Board of Regents. He is a tireless advocate for our state’s students.
George’s four children went through the Rhode Island public school system, and
he is committed to joining me in working to make Rhode Island’s schools,
colleges, and universities the finest in the nation.
The
consolidation of the Boards of Regents and Governors, passed by the legislature
in June, affects an extraordinarily important sector of Rhode Island – our
education system. A great deal of work needs to be done before the reconstituted
Board is up and running well.
In
my twenty years of public service, I have always given a priority to public
education. Most recently, that has been evident through increases in the budget
for elementary, secondary, and higher education.
With
this in mind, it is my hope that this redesigned Board will have enhanced
ability for greater planning, coordination, and resource allocation from
kindergarten to higher education. This will produce benefits for our students,
our economy, and all Rhode Islanders.
