New appointee to State Board of Education

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today congratulated Jorge Lopez on his appointment to the State Board of Education.

            "Jorge Lopez is a dedicated educator whom I know and respect. He has focused on helping some of our most underserved student populations and has been successful in closing the achievement gap at the Oakland Charter Academy," O'Connell said.

 "Under his leadership, Oakland Charter Academy was named a 2008 No Child Left Behind (NCLB)--Blue Ribbon School in recognition of its academic achievement at the highest levels and also earned the Title I Academic Achievement Award that same year.

"I welcome the perspective that Jorge will bring to the State Board of Education, and look forward to working with him on initiatives to improve student achievement and close the achievement gap.