UC regent tapped as Education Secretary

Bonnie Reiss, a member of the University of California Board of Regents, has been chosen to be the governor's top education advisor. She replaces Glen W. Thomas, who stepped down earlier this month to take care of his ailing mom.

"I enthusiastically support the Governor's priorities for education and his commitment to seeing that every child receives a great education that allows them to achieve their dreams," Reiss said in a statement. "I believe that every door opened to me in my life has been because of education, and I am committed to working to ensure that all children have the tools they need to achieve success."

Reiss, a former advisor to the governor, was named to the UC system's governing board in March 2008. She previously served as an senior advisor to Schwarzenegger from 2003-2007. The Education Secretary position does not require Senate confirmation and Reiss will earn $175,000 annually.

"Bonnie has always been a friend to the California State University in her various capacities with the Governor's office, and we look forward to working with her in her new position as Secretary of Education," said Charles B. Reed, California State University Chancellor, in a statement issued this morning.

"She understands the important role that public higher education plays in the state's economic recovery, and the critical need to educate the future workforce," he added.

While on the UC Board of Regents, Reiss served on the California Postsecondary Education Committee and the UC Committee on Educational Policy. She has degrees from the University of Miami and Antioch Law School.

*UPDATE: Here's a statement on Reiss' appointment by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell:

"I look forward to continuing to work with Bonnie Reiss as she takes on this new role," O'Connell said. "Bonnie is knowledgeable about the challenges and opportunities faced by public education during these difficult economic times. With her leadership, the collaboration between my office and the Governor's Office of Secretary of Education will continue as we work together to implement education reform efforts and secure critical federal funding for California schools."

Reiss, 54, worked as a staff member for Senator Edward Kennedy while a law school student, and took a one-year leave of absence when he ran for president in 1980 to help run his campaign.