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(Washington D.C.)- Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano welcomed news last week of the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of former Pomona Unified School District Superintendent Thelma Melendez as the Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. Napolitano has been a longtime supporter of Melendez and encouraged her to apply for a position in the administration.
“In the years that I have known her, Thelma Melendez has shown herself to be a remarkable human being, a strong woman, and a dedicated public servant. On behalf of the 38th Congressional District of California, I congratulate Thelma and her family on her momentous appointment. I am very proud Pomona can claim such a committed educator. Education Secretary Arne Duncan and President Barack Obama have made a wise and excellent choice, and their policy of reaching out to local communities for talent serves our country well.”
Melendez had served as Superintendent for the Pomona Unified School District since 2006, overseeing 33,000 students in more than 40 schools. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCLA and her doctorate in language, literacy and learning from USC. Last November, she was named Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.
In her new position, Melendez will serve as a top advisor to Education Secretary Arne Duncan. A major priority for the Obama Administration will be helping the nation’s elementary and secondary schools by improving the No Child Left Behind Act.
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