President Bush today announced his intent to nominate Susan Sclafani to be assistant secretary of education for vocational and adult education and designate her as acting assistant secretary for the office.

Sclafani currently serves as a counselor to Secretary Paige and advises the secretary on all education issues and initiatives, including the historic No Child Left Behind Act.

Regarding the announcement, Secretary Paige said: "Susan has been a trusted adviser, friend and colleague of mine for years, and she is one of the most dedicated public servants I know. Her tenacity, her commitment to the nation's schoolchildren and her leadership have played a key role in the success to date of No Child Left Behind, and our nation is privileged to have her service."

Sclafani will serve in the acting capacity until the Senate confirms an assistant secretary.

Prior to joining the Department of Education, Sclafani served as chief of staff for educational services in the Houston Independent School District, where she represented the superintendent on education issues and coordinated activities of the departments directly involved in the education of children, including school administration, educational programs, legal services, community and public relations, reading and the superintendent's office.

Sclafani earned her bachelor's degree from Vassar College, master's degrees from the University of Chicago and the University of Texas, and her Ph.D. from the University of Texas.

The Office of Vocational and Adult Education focuses on three key priorities: to prepare every American youth to complete high school and be well prepared for postsecondary education and employment; support community and technical colleges in their mission of education, career preparation, workforce development and economic development; and expand adult learning to bring higher levels of literacy and English fluency to underserved Americans. OVAE activities fall into four categories: high schools, career and technical education, community colleges and adult education and literacy.

Carol D'Amico, the former assistant secretary, resigned in May.

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