Secretary of Education David Long to Leave Post
Secretary of Education Dave Long announced yesterday, September 11, 2008, that he has resigned his position as Secretary of Education. The Secretary of Education is a member of the Governor’s cabinet and advises the Governor on educational issues affecting all segments of education from preschool through higher education.
Long, who spent 18 months in the position of Secretary, indicated to the Sacramento Bee that he was ready “to start a new chapter in my life.” Dr. Long has made many contributions during his short tenure.
He is credited for coming to Sacramento at a time when momentum was growing to make substantial changes to education policy and finance and to help define the Governor’s “Year of Education.” He spent countless hours reaching out to school agencies throughout the state gathering input from educators. These efforts were overshadowed by the state’s growing economic woes and Budget deficits, which had a chilling effect on making changes.
Throughout the time that Dr. Long served as Secretary of Education, he was always accessible and served as a strong and committed advocate for public education. He will be sorely missed.
—Nancy LaCasse