Message from the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education – P-16

Colleagues:

The New York State Board of Regents and Commissioner Mills recently announced a new structure within the State Education Department to help carry out the Regents new P-16 reform agenda to raise achievement from pre-kindergarten through college (P-16) and close performance gaps. To help carry out these goals, the Regents asked me to take on the role of Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education - P-16, providing leadership for the Office of Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education (EMSC) and the Office of Higher Education. Joseph Frey has been appointed as Associate Commissioner for the Office of Higher Education in the new P-16 structure. In addition, Robert Bentley was appointed Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Teaching Initiatives and will work under the leadership of Associate Commissioner Frey, as will Stanley Hansen, Executive Coordinator for the Office of K-16 Initiatives and Access Programs.

When I was first asked to lead the new P-16 structure, many opportunities came immediately to mind: opportunities to maximize linkages between the State's Pre-K - 12 system and our colleges and universities….opportunities to support student performance and success by ensuring that all students are taught by qualified teachers and provided a quality education….opportunities to work together to raise graduation rates in high schools and colleges….opportunities to infuse new standards of accountability across the State…and much more.

Today, I am even more optimistic about the opportunities ahead. In the 20 years I have spent in the State Education Department, I have seen the passion, energy, dedication, and intellect teachers and educational leaders bring to the classroom and the students they serve each and every day. I have been touched by the relentless commitment of so many parents and communities to the future of our children. I can share many examples of ground-breaking programs and initiatives spearheaded by our State’s tremendously talented higher education community to meet growing demands for knowledge and skill in an increasingly competitive global economy. I have experienced the value-added to our students’ education by our vast library resources and rich cultural institutions. I am consistently impressed with the concern for students and enthusiasm for education shown by my colleagues in the Department, and I know what can happen when union leaders, members of the business community, professional associations, government leaders, and other partners work together to drive change. Most of all, I have seen firsthand the power of cooperation and collaboration. I am confident that by working together we can ensure a strong future for our students and for our State’s coordinated system of education.

Thank you for the continued hard work and dedication you put into supporting and challenging the students in your colleges and universities and helping them to succeed and graduate. I look forward to working with you to maximize the new opportunities ahead. With colleagues like you, I am looking forward to the possibilities!

Sincerely,

Johanna Duncan-Poitier