Secretary of Education David Long Receives Leadership Award from County Superintendents Association

California Secretary of Education David Long was recognized by the California County Superintendents Association (CCSESA) for his leadership and vision in support of education.

Secretary Long was awarded the 2007 Executive Leadership Award at CCSESA’s General Membership meeting today in San Jose. According to CCSESA, the annual award goes to “the individual who has made outstanding and significant contributions to the support of public education through his or her leadership and vision.”

“I am very honored that my former colleagues chose me for this prestigious award,” said Secretary Long. “As a lifelong educator, I believe that a quality public education system is essential to meeting society’s civic and business needs. As the Superintendent of schools in Riverside County, I was proud to have worked with so many dedicated individuals to improve student achievement. Now, as Secretary of Education, I am committed to improving achievement statewide.”

As the California recipient of this award, Secretary Long’s name will now be forwarded to the Association of Education Service Agencies for consideration for the national Justus A. Prentice award.

Dr. Long was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Secretary of Education in March 2007. In that role, he serves as policy advisor to the Governor on education issues. Dr. Long has more than 40 years of experience in the field of education, ranging from 21 years of classroom teaching to the superintendency. Prior to his appointment by the Governor, Dr. Long was the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools. He is currently the Chairperson of the Federal Education Safe and Drug Free Schools and Community Advisory Committee.