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Introduction of Assistant Secretary Ray Simon

Thank you all for coming today. Welcome to my home state of Virginia—I hope you get a chance to see the cherry blossoms.

You know, I look around at all these education advocates and public officials, and I have one thought: this may be the greatest collection of leaders in one room at Mount Vernon since George Washington dined alone!

My name is John Hager, and I'm head of the United States Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

Today we're going to talk about a new way of doing business at the Department, designed to help children with disabilities as well as the people who manage their education in all 50 states and the territories.

To kick things off, I am pleased to introduce Ray Simon. Ray is the former director of the Arkansas Department of Education. Now he's an Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, coordinating assistance for elementary and secondary schools.

Ray's been in your shoes. He knows the great challenges and even greater rewards of your profession. And he knows that future generations will depend on the actions we take today.

Ray is a public servant without peer. I've been privileged to work closely with him on an issue very close to me—educating students with disabilities. We enjoy a strong partnership. He works to ensure that no child is left behind; I work to ensure that children with disabilities get the help they need.

Let me tell you, I've been a Lieutenant Governor, a state Senate president, and a director of homeland security—and I've never seen anyone who "gets it"—and gets things done—like he does. He always makes sure that the right hand is talking with the left. And that's especially important when you're dealing with 50 different pairs of hands!

Most importantly, Ray knows and appreciates the work you've put in to implement the No Child Left Behind Act, and to make it work all students. You've turned the written words of a law into real results and academic achievement. And your states should be very proud of you.

So, without further delay, my friend and colleague, Ray Simon .

• Remarks for Assistant Secretary Simon

Introduction of Secretary Margaret Spellings

Thank you Ray.

Now it is my privilege to introduce Secretary Margaret Spellings. You know, President Bush has described Margaret as a lot of fun. And he wasn't kidding. I've never seen anyone with such energy and drive, combined with such caring and compassion for our kids.

Secretary Spellings brings a calm urgency and focus to this Department that makes it fun to come to work every day. She's a former education policy adviser to a Texas Governor—you might have heard of him—and, like you, she knows how to roll up her sleeves and deliver the goods. And yes, she's also a mom, who sees things from the perspective of an education consumer as well.

Secretary Spellings has made it her mission to see that the words No Child Left Behind become reality in every state, school district and classroom in the country. She is here today to announce a new way of doing business that will sharpen and strengthen the law. It's an "action plan" that lives up to the word. And it's based on principles on which we can all agree.

Secretary Spellings believes in putting the needs of students ahead of the system. And she believes that if accountability is appropriate for our schools and students, it's just as appropriate for those of us in government. Our parents, teachers and children are counting on us to make a difference. And let me tell you, they've got a real friend and ally in their corner.

So now, please give a warm welcome as I give you Secretary Margaret Spellings.

• Remarks for Secretary Spellings

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