WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, after President-elect Joe Biden nominated Dr. Miguel A. Cardona, the Education Commissioner for Connecticut and a former public school teacher and principal, to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:

“This is a strong pick for students, families, and teachers.  Miguel Cardona is a lifelong educator who brings classroom, policy, and management experience, as well as an abiding commitment that public education is a great equalizer.  He is committed to ensuring kids and teachers can safely return to the classroom.  I will work with him to ensure our schools have the resources and support they need to safely and fully reopen and effective solutions to ensure the health and well-being of children, educators, and staff.

“Public education has taken a step backward under the Trump Administration.  Secretary DeVos has failed our students and it will take strong leadership to undo the damage of the last four years and help turn around the U.S. Department of Education and undo harmful policies.  I look forward to working with Dr. Cardona and the Biden Administration to invest in our students.  We must expand opportunities from preschool through college and beyond and help students, teachers, and schools across the country succeed.”