Chicago, IL. ---- U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush today released the following statement extending his support and congratulations to Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan on his appointment, by President-Elect Barack Obama, to serve as the next Secretary of Education in the new Administration. 

“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I extend my warmest congratulations to Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan on his selection as the next Secretary of Education in the new Administration. I have had the opportunity to work with Arne on many education initiatives during his tenure as CPS chief and I am confident that he will bring a unique ability to effectively address the most pressing education issues our country faces in the 21st century.

“Specifically, I know that we share the objective of improving elementary and secondary education for all students, expanding early childhood education, making college affordable, developing strong vocational education programs and promoting policies of social, educational and political justice for all citizens.

“Through his work in the Chicago Public Schools system for the last ten years, including serving as its CEO since 2001, Arne has demonstrated a capacity and willingness to tackle the tough issues associated with improving and reforming our nation’s public school system and he’s gotten results. Under his leadership, elementary test scores have reached an all-time high with more than 65% of students meeting or exceeding state standards––our seventh consecutive gain.

“His support of merit pay for administrators and teachers, along with his demands for additional funding for teachers’ professional development and recruitment, and improved school infrastructure, has made Arne a symbol of the type of school reform that our country so desperately needs. 

“President-Elect Obama has made a great selection and I look forward to working with Secretary Duncan in our shared efforts to improve the nation’s public education system for all students. I know he will work tirelessly to ensure that all elementary and secondary schools are adequately equipped to provide our students with a quality education and to help prepare them for the rigors of higher education, as well as for the competitive global economy that awaits them.”