RCOE hosts Fourth Annual Riverside County Education Summit and honors former state Sen. Jim Brulte

The state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction and the leaders from the most influential education organizations participated in the Fourth Annual Riverside County Education Summit in Indian Wells in October.

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.

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 the 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.