Statements Regarding Departure Of Education Commissioner David Steiner

As the end of the school year and the legislative session approaches, I am immensely proud of the reforms we've achieved  --  guiding New York's successful Race to the Top application, designing a new teacher and school leader evaluation system, reforming teacher preparation and certification and implementing a tough re-setting of our 3-8 tests.  With the anticipated approval of a final teacher evaluation program in the coming months, I have informed Chancellor Tisch and members of the Board of Regents that I intend to leave the State Education Department later this year.  Together we will begin to plan for a seamless transition.

Commissioner David Steiner

We recruited David because he is one of America's leading education reform visionaries, and as Commissioner he has delivered - leading New York's successful Race to the Top application and guiding this department through an amazing array of reforms.  As he approaches the end of his second legislative session and second school year as Commissioner, he has informed me of his desire to return to a role outside of state government where he can continue to champion reform.  I know he is weighing a number of exciting options.  In the weeks to come the Board will begin an orderly transition and continue to move forward with our reform agenda.

Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch