Copyright© 2000 by School Services of California, Inc.
Kerry Mazzoni Named Secretary for Education
Governor Gray Davis has ended the speculation about appointment of a permanent Secretary for Education with the naming of Kerry Mazzoni, former Assembly Member from Novato. Ms. Mazzoni has supported education initiatives from her seat in the Assembly and is universally respected by the education community. She also played a key role as Chair of the Assembly Education Committee in enactment of the Governor's reform initiatives.
Ms. Mazzoni will be the fourth occupant of the Secretary's office during the Davis administration. Former State Senator Gary Hart served only a year before resigning. Mr. Hart was replaced by Sue Burr, his chief deputy, on an interim basis until she departed for Elk Grove USD where she now serves as chief business official.
The current Interim Secretary, John Mockler, long an influential force in education policy in Sacramento, was Executive Director of the State Board of Education until he was tapped by Governor Davis to fill the vacant post of Secretary. We anticipate that Mr. Mockler will return to his former position, though no announcement has been made.
Ms. Mazzoni, termed out of the Assembly, could not be appointed prior to the end of her term, thus the speculation that she would be appointed in December. Ms. Mazzoni is known to be a hard-working legislator and will certainly bring her uncommon energy, enthusiasm, and passion for education to her new position. We offer our congratulations to both Governor Davis and Kerry Mazzoni for what we think will be an outstanding appointment. We also offer our sincere thanks to John Mockler for the superb job he has done as Interim Secretary.
--Ron Bennett