The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Russell-Tucker to stay on as head of state Department of Education
HARTFORD — Charlene Russell-Tucker, who has served as acting commissioner of the education department since March, will stay on in her role.
Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Thursday the nomination of RussellTucker to commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Education.
Russell-Tucker is a longtime employee of the department, serving more than 20 years in different roles. Most recently, she served as deputy commissioner, and oversaw academic supports and student wellness.
“I am humbled to be given the opportunity to continue to lead the incredible team at the Connecticut State Department of Education,” said Russell-Tucker in a statement, “as we join forces with educators and stakeholders to build a nation-leading education system that is resilient to the challenges we face and inclusive of all our students and families.”
Russell-Tucker replaces Miguel Cardona, who vacated the position earlier this year to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Education under President Joe Biden.
Lamont’s nomination follows the state Board of Education’s unanimous recommendation for her appointment to the governor Thursday morning.
Next her name will go to the Connecticut General Assembly for final approval.
“Charlene has many years of experience working with school districts across Connecticut,” said Lamont in a statement, “and I’ve heard nothing but praise about her leadership style and effectiveness.”
“Our administration has set strong goals when it comes to improving outcomes for our next generation so they are prepared to fill jobs that lead them through successful careers,” he said. “I appreciate Charlene’s dedication to the students and families of Connecticut, and I’m excited to have her continuing in this leadership capacity.”
In a news release, the education department called Russell-Tucker a passionate supporter of family and community engagement. The statement also praised her for school attendance and discipline initiatives, and her focus on diversity and equity.
Throughout her tenure in the temporary role, Russell-Tucker oversaw the state’s application for a $110 million state set-aside of American Rescue Plan funds, and worked with the public health department to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its more contagious delta variant.
Russell-Tucker has also helped oversee a doorknocking initiative to address student absences and disengagement, the distribution of $11 million in summer enrichment grants, and a partnership with a social-emotional learning assessment provider to assess student well-being.
“During her time as interim commissioner, we have found Charlene to be passionate, understanding, and welcoming of input from all education stakeholders,” said Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, in a statement.
“We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with her as she takes the helm of the State Department of Education and tackles the unprecedented challenges facing public education,” she said.
Dias said Russell-Tucker has made student wellbeing a priority, and “respects educators as the professionals they are.” She also called her a “champion” of diversity and equity in school systems.
Jan Hochadel, president of AFT Connecticut, applauded Russell-Tucker’s commitment to working toward safe, healthy schools.
“We may not always agree, but I am confident she will maintain collaborative, open, and transparent communication with education stakeholders,” said Hochadel in a statement. “That is how we’ve taken on so many of the challenges this pandemic has caused, and how we will successfully tackle those that remain unresolved.”
Russell-Tucker was previously chief operating officer of the Office of Student Supports and Organizational Effectiveness, and served as associate commissioner of education and bureau chief.
There, she oversaw programs and services related to student health, family and community engagement, magnet and charter schools, and adult and special education.
She also has teaching experience at the Albertus Magnus College School of New Dimensions.
Russell-Tucker serves as commissioner-designate, effective immediately.