The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) Applauds the Appointment of ALAS Member Dr. Miguel Cardona as U.S. Secretary of Education

ALAS praises Dr. Cardona’s focus on equity, and his leadership during COVID-19

The Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents (ALAS) applauds the appointment of ALAS member Dr. Miguel Cardona to the position of U.S. Secretary of Education.

“Dr. Cardona’s appointment is a breath of fresh air for educators across this country,” said ALAS Board President Dr. Francisco Durán. “I am so proud that President-elect Joe Biden has selected someone with experience in public education who will bring the issues of educational equity for all students to the Department of Education.”

ALAS, which has more than 7,000 members in 23 states, sent a letter to President-elect Joe Biden earlier this week supporting the nomination of Dr. Cardona, who currently serves as Connecticut’s Commissioner of Education. He is also a member of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

In the letter, ALAS Executive Director Dr. Maria Armstrong praised Dr. Cardona’s compassion for disenfranchised students, students with special needs, and students who are learning English. She also noted his unique understanding of the multiple pathways to success for all students.

“He provides a manner of accessibility and transparency in his decision-making and his commitment to students,” she stated.

During the pandemic, Dr. Cardona provided leadership for his state department of education in establishing comprehensive guidelines and safety protocols. His first-hand experience will give him invaluable background as he steps into his new role.

ALAS also pointed out Dr. Cardona’s ability to establish partnerships across a variety of communities and to work toward lasting relationships. “This is an essential skill in leading a nation,” Dr. Armstrong stated.

“The Secretary of Education is the foremost position to impact the lives of students and the families of future generations,” said Dr. Armstrong. “Dr. Cardona will not just check a box in the litany of characteristics needed to fill this position. He will lead with experience and has the qualifications necessary to form a team in the U.S. Department of Education to champion the needs of all students.”

For more information about ALAS, visit https://www.alasedu.org/.

American Consortium for Equity in Education

The American Consortium for Equity in Education, publisher of the "Equity & Access" journal, celebrates and connects the educators, associations, community partners and industry leaders who are working to solve problems and create a more equitable environment for historically underserved pre K-12 students throughout the United States.