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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson Announces New Leadership Team
Arcadia Weekly Jun 30, 2015
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Tom Torlakson. – Photo by Terry Miller
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced that Glen Price, a public education expert, and Michelle Zumot, a veteran administrator, will serve as his co-chief deputies of the California Department of Education (CDE).
“I am pleased to appoint these two outstanding leaders. They have the skills, experience, talent, and dedication to lead the California Department of Education as it implements huge changes to help all California students,” said Torlakson.
Zumot has been the Assistant Chief Deputy, while Price has most recently served as Interim Chief of Staff of CDE.
Torlakson said the two work well together and have different strengths that complement each other. Their duties split naturally, he said. Glen Price will take the lead on policy and program issues, while Michelle Zumot will head the operational side.
Michelle Zumot has worked for CDE for 12 years in a variety of administrative posts. She has been instrumental in supporting a variety of CDE organizational change efforts and also represents the agency on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System Board of Directors.
Glen Price, who owns the Glen Price Group, has more than 30 years of experience in education, strategic planning, and policy development. He has worked for a wide range of agencies on issues involving California teachers, after school programs, and early learning. In addition, he served two terms an elected school board member for the West Contra Costa Unified School District.
“Both Michelle and Glen possess the kind of collaborative, inclusive leadership styles that encourage teamwork, while also inspiring and developing individual employees,” Torlakson said. “They know how to bring out the best in CDE employees so all of us can be as effective as possible in serving students, parents, educators, and residents of California.”
The state has made great progress in implementing dramatic changes in education funding and academic standards, but has exciting opportunities ahead as it develops a new accountability system and secures stable resources so schools can achieve greatness, Torlakson said.
“Glen and Michelle are the people to lead CDE and do it in a positive, skilled, and collaborative way. It’s the right way, what I call the California Way,” said Torlakson. “With the two of them leading and supporting the CDE team, I have one more reason to be optimistic about education in California.”
Zumot and Price emerged as the right people for the job after the recruiting firm that assisted CDE with this effort conducted a nationwide search for candidates, Torlakson said. The firm sought input from dozens of education leaders around the state. They will begin their new positions on July 9.
The two replace Rich Zeiger, who retired in March.
