Newsroom | Archive 2006
Fourth Annual Riverside County Education Summit
 The state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction and the leaders of three of the most influential education organizations kicked off the first day October 12 of the Fourth Annual Riverside County Education Summit in Indian Wells.
Nearly 400 teachers, principals, school board members and other educators were on hand for the annual event sponsored by the Riverside County Office of Education and Dr. David Long, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools.
 Long and Summit participants honored former State Senator Jim Brulte at a lunchtime awards ceremony. Brulte was given the 2006 Education Leadership Award.
Long said Brulte was able to obtain bipartisan support for education funding bills while he was in the Legislature, took a great interest in education related legislation, and attended monthly meetings with county superintendents of schools to discuss critical issues.
Brulte said that no matter which party a person belongs to, “The important thing is the education of our students. I am honored with this award from people who work so hard to provide the best education possible for our students.”
Jack O’Connell said California schools have “world class” academic standards, a strong accountability system, and are working hard to help all students achieve.
He called Riverside County a model for the state. “The culture of Riverside County is high standards, high expectations and belief that all students can learn,” he said. He reiterated his support for the high school exit exam and for Prop. 1D on the November ballot, which will provide millions in state funding for local school districts.
Participants also heard from Brenda Davis, President, California State Parent Teacher Association, Barbara Kerr, President, California Teachers Association, and Scott Plotkin, Executive director, California State School Boards Association.
William Modzeleski, Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary, National Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools, talked about ways schools can be made safer and the national response to a recent spate of school shootings.
Other speakers included:
Brooks Allen, who represented the American Civil Liberties Union in a lawsuit over school facilities in low-income districts.
Jay Hoffman, superintendent of the Nuview Union School District, Randall Lewis, vice president of the Lewis Operating Corporation, and Arron Jiron, Program Operator, the Packard Foundation, discussed preschool programs.
Kevin Gordon, President of School Innovations and Advocacy, discussed legislative issues.
Guy Mehula, Chief Executive, Facilities Services Division, Los Angeles Unified School District, discussed school facilities.
Sue Stickel, Deputy Superintendent, California Department of Education, discussed student achievement.
The Summit continues today in Indian Wells.
For information contact:
Rick Peoples,
Public Information Officer
Telephone: (951) 826-6642
Fax: (951) 826-6199
rpeoples@rcoe.us
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