Pelosi Statement on Obama Nomination of Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education

Contact:Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on President-elect Obama’s nomination of Arne Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Public Schools, as Secretary of Education:

"As the head of the Chicago public school system, Arne Duncan challenged students and teachers alike to grow and achieve, and his methods have delivered real results. I look forward to his quick confirmation so that together we can work to strengthen America’s public schools."

"America’s public schools face many challenges, but none more critical than the need to prepare our children for a global economy. I look forward to working with President-elect Obama and Secretary-designate Duncan to build on the New Direction Congress’ Innovation Agenda, which launched a new commitment to encouraging students and ensuring highly-qualified teachers in the fields of math, science, and engineering."