Saunders welcomes Cardona confirmation; says Cardona is deeply committed to the success of America’s students

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement regarding the Senate’s vote to confirm Miguel Cardona as U.S. Secretary of Education:

“In a time of unique challenges for America’s schools and students, Miguel Cardona will be an excellent leader at the Department of Education.

“Secretary Cardona brings a remarkable breadth of experience to the job, having worked as a teacher, school administrator, professor and state Commissioner of Education. In addition to addressing head-on the complex issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, he will be deeply committed to upholding the Department of Education’s mission to ensure equal access to a good public education. He understands the importance of educating diverse populations, continuing to secure needed resources for all public schools, increasing graduation rates and addressing college access and affordability.

“In K-12 schools as well as our colleges and universities, AFSCME members play a critical role in strengthening our education system through their jobs as custodians, groundskeepers, bus drivers, food service workers and more. We look forward to a strong partnership with Secretary Cardona.”