Speaker Silver Statement On Education Commissioner Dr. John B. King, Jr.

I join my colleague, Education Committee Chair Catherine Nolan, in applauding the appointment of Dr. John B. King, Jr. as the new State Education Commissioner by the State Board of Regents. Dr. King, a former high school history teacher, has been nationally recognized for lifting student achievement in urban settings and will bring a fresh perspective to the challenges facing our educational system. From his co-founding of a top-performing charter school in Boston to his recent work as Senior Deputy Commissioner for P-12 Education, he has built upon his remarkable personal story and experiences as a student in the New York City public school system. We look forward to working with him as we continue our efforts to ensure that all our students have access to a quality education and opportunities for training and higher education.