More Resources Susan Sclafani Raymond Simon

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today applauded the recent Senate confirmations of Susan Sclafani as assistant secretary of education for vocational and adult education and of Raymond Simon as assistant secretary of education for elementary and secondary education.

"Ray and Susan are dedicated public servants who have devoted their lives to promoting excellence in education for all students," Secretary Paige said. "I congratulate them and look forward to working with them in the months ahead as we continue to work with states and schools to implement the bold goals of the No Child Left Behind Act."

Before her nomination last fall, Sclafani was senior counselor to Secretary Paige and advised him on all education issues and initiatives, including the No Child Left Behind Act. Prior to this, she was 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. Sclafani earned a bachelor's degree from Vassar College, masters' degrees from the University of Chicago and the University of Texas and a 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; and expand adult learning to bring higher levels of literacy and English fluency to underserved Americans.

Prior to joining the department, Ray Simon was director of the Arkansas Department of Education. Before that, he was assistant superintendent for finance and the superintendent of Conway Public Schools in Arkansas. Simon earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Central Arkansas.

The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education is responsible for directing, coordinating and recommending policy for programs designed to assist state and local education agencies to improve the achievement of elementary and secondary school students; to help ensure equal access to services leading to such improvement for all children, particularly children who are economically disadvantaged; to foster educational improvement at the state and local levels; and to provide financial assistance to local education agencies whose local revenues are affected by federal activities.

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