Washington  - "While I have not worked with Arne Duncan, I am encouraged
by his nomination by President-Elect Obama as U.S. Secretary of
Education.  He has a positive reputation and is known for bringing
students, parents, teachers, administrators and legislators together to
put the needs of students first.  He has overseen the nation's
third-largest school system, expanded charter schools and enacted a
performance-pay plan with the blessing of teachers. I am eager to work
with the Secretary, at this crucial time for our education system, to
make necessary updates to No Child Left Behind and focus on children
who have been traditionally under-served."