Statement from Chancellor Betty A. Rosa and Commissioner MaryEllen Elia on Board of Regents Appointments

We congratulate Regents Christine Cea, Wade Norwood, James Cottrell and Josephine Finn on their reelection today to the Board of Regents. Throughout their tenure they have shown their commitment to ensuring that all students succeed and thrive in school no matter who they are, where they live, where they go to school, or where they come from. Regents Cea, Norwood, Cottrell and Finn bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that they draw upon in composing policy for our state’s schools and universities, libraries and museums, adult education and vocational programs, and professions.

Regents Cea, Norwood, Cottrell and Finn have been integral to the Board’s work on critically important issues, including development of New York’s ESSA plan which seeks to foster equity and ensure that all of our students are successful in school and ready for college, career, and citizenship. They have also dedicated tireless efforts in implementing high quality learning standards that will improve the teaching and learning that takes places in New York’s classrooms; offering students multiple, rigorous pathways to earn a meaningful high school diploma; expanding the criteria under which students with disabilities can graduate high school with a meaningful diploma; enhancing supports for educators and expand teacher certification pathways; and increasing awareness of the career opportunities offered to New Yorkers through the more than 50 professions licensed by NYSED.

We are honored and excited to continue working alongside Regents Cea, Norwood, Cottrell and Finn to raise the knowledge, skill, and opportunity of all the people in New York.