Colorado’s next education commissioner should have strong ties to the state, or at least be familiar with its unique public schools system.
He or she should be able to communicate well with higher education officials, and make sure that kids who leave high school are ready for college.
These were among the recommendations heard Monday by the National Association of State Boards of Education, the Virginia- based organization heading the search for a new commissioner of education.
It is not enough for a student to simply graduate from high school, if they need remediation in college, said Scott Mendelsberg, executive director of the college preparation organization Colorado Gear Up.
“It’s not about graduating kids from high school,” he said. “Prepare them for the next level.”
Current Commissioner William Moloney has announced plans to leave his post this summer, after 10 years.
The association launched the search this week by holding focus group meetings with state legislators, education officials, superintendents and Gov. Bill Ritter.
Suggestions included a commissioner who can help the Education Department carry out the mandates of the state legislature and be able to demonstrate he or she is invested in the state – not just the job.
Richard Garcia, executive director of the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition, said the next commissioner needs to address the problem of too many students of color not going to college.
State Rep. Nancy Todd, D-Aurora, said that the commissioner needs to recognize the variety of schools in Colorado – from rural to urban and charter to traditional – and that education is locally controlled.
Others said funding is a problem in the state too.
More focus groups will be held today, said Brenda Welburn, executive director of the association. The public is also invited to give input at www.nasbe.org.
The State Board of Education will hire the commissioner to oversee 178 school districts and run the Colorado Department of Education, which has 300 employees.
The association will begin taking applications from candidates March 29, after it has gathered information from focus groups, said Michael Hill, deputy director.
Staff writer Karen Rouse can be reached at 303-954-1684 or krouse@denverpost.com.
