Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Selection of Secretary of Education Gerard Robinson as Florida Commissioner of Education

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement this morning following news that Virginia Secretary of Education Gerard Robinson has been selected as the next Commissioner of Education in Florida.

"Gerard Robinson is a national leader in the field of education reform and innovation. His commitment to improving the future prospects of our nation's young people has led him to take education positions in school districts all across this country from Los Angeles to New Jersey to Milwaukee and, most recently, here in Virginia.

"During his time in the Commonwealth, Gerard has overseen the successful implementation of our major initiatives that will improve the quality of, and choices provided in, our public schools. Virginia's schoolchildren will long benefit from Gerard's service in our administration. He led our efforts to expand charter schools, establish college laboratory schools, improve virtual learning programs, and implement a performance pay pilot program. At the college and university level, Gerard's leadership was important in securing passage of our historic legislation this past session of the General Assembly to put the Commonwealth on a path to award 100,000 additional college degrees over the next 15 years. 6,000 new spots will be available to Virginia students at our community colleges, colleges and universities just this year alone thanks to this measure. Gerard Robinson's service has improved the quality of education our young people will receive from their first day in kindergarten through their senior year in high school, while increasing their opportunity to access a world class higher education after they graduate.

"I congratulate Gerard on his selection as the next Commissioner of Education in Florida where he will oversee one of the nation's largest public school systems. I know he is looking forward to this next stage in his career, and that he will continue to be engaged in the national education reform effort."

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