The White House Office of the Press Secretary today made the following announcement:

The President intends to nominate Robert Pasternack to be Assistant Secretary of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the Department of Education. He is currently the State Director of Special Education at the New Mexico State Department of Education. From 1994 to 1998, he served as CEO of Casa de Corazon, a children's comprehensive community mental health center. He has also served as Director of Clinical Services for Taos/Colfax Community Services, Inc. and as the Superintendent of the New Mexico Boys' School. He is a member of numerous professional organizations including the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, of which he serves as Chairperson. Pasternack is a graduate of the University of South Florida, received a Master's degree from New Mexico Highlands University and a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico.

Regarding President Bush's selection of Pasternack for the position, U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige said: "I look forward to welcoming Bob Pasternack, and having the benefit of his expertise in creating educational opportunities for children with disabilities. His experience and leadership in this area will help us to accomplish our goal of giving every American child access to a quality education."