WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, the U.S. Senate confirmed President Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, in a bi-partisan 64-33 vote. Cardona steps into this role against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and its substantial impact on both the PreK-12 and postsecondary education systems, including safe reopening of schools, looming budget shortfalls, learning loss, crippling student debt, and boiling racial tensions.
“The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools congratulates Miguel Cardona on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Education,” said Nina Rees, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “As a former teacher and administrator, a student who learned English in elementary school, a first-generation college graduate, and a parent of school-age children, Cardona’s rise to Secretary of Education embodies the American Dream. His personal and professional experience in education makes him uniquely suited for this leadership position.”
“In his most recent role as Connecticut’s Commissioner of Education, Cardona maintained a strong reputation for collaborative leadership focused on equity, accountability and high standards for all schools, and putting the needs of students and families first” Rees continued. “We are optimistic that this record will continue while he serves as Secretary of Education and look forward to his support of the entire PreK-12 public school ecosystem—including both district and charter schools.”
Charter schools are a vital part of American neighborhoods and our public education ecosystem, serving nearly 3.3 million students. Nearly five million more students would attend a charter school if one were available to them. Charter schools offer a combination of flexibility, tailored instruction, social-emotional support, and rigorous coursework that make the overall public education ecosystem stronger.
In the quest to ensure every student has access to a high-quality PreK-12 public education, charter schools are an essential component of the nation’s offerings to students and families.
