The New York State Board of Regents is seeking applications and nominations for the position of New York State Education Commissioner.

In the wake of Commissioner Richard Mills' announced retirement, the Regents are widely distributing an ad and a letter from the chancellor detailing what New York state is looking for in its next commissioner.

Download: Commissioner Recruitment Ad and Letter (PDF)

January 28, 2009

Dear Colleagues and Friends:

Commissioner Mills has announced that he will be stepping down as Commissioner in June 2009, after fourteen years of service. The Board of Regents and I are seeking your help in finding the next person to serve as New York State Education Commissioner and President of the University of the State of New York. The Board is looking for a visionary leader to guide the Department through the next phase of education reform. In this next phase, we will lift the level of achievement for all, significantly raise the State's graduation rate, and close the gaps in achievement that persist for certain segments of our student population. The challenges are great and the need for a dynamic leader to continue our reform efforts is critical.

If you think you have what it takes to meet these challenges, please click on the link below and consider applying.

http://www.oms.nysed.gov/press/search  

If you know of a qualified candidate, please ask that individual to apply or nominate them and the search committee will investigate their interest. The Board of Regents is receiving nominations for the position of New York State Education Commissioner by mail at:

Commissioner Search
PO Box 127
Albany NY 12201-0127

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Bennett
COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION AND PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

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The New York State Board of Regents seeks applications and nominations for the position of Commissioner of Education. Our goal is to find an accomplished leader who will bring New York State to the forefront in educational achievement. We need a visionary to manage the State's educational resources to raise achievement for all students, close the achievement gap, and raise the State's graduation rate.

This person must have:

•Demonstrated experience in identifying, developing and implementing creative solutions to challenges confronting education at all levels; success in the urban setting is a plus.

•Proven experience leading a complex organization where staff development, organizational change, fiscal accountability and technology have been used to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.

•A commitment to diversity; an ability to work effectively with and value the perspectives of all groups and individuals.

•An ability to effectively communicate with, motivate and lead staff and stakeholders toward excellence.

•Proven experience working with a board to effect change through policy development and shared governance.

•Demonstrated commitment to enhancing the role of education in economic development.

•Experience working with local, state and federal elected officials.

Appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Board of Regents, the Commissioner is the Chief Executive Officer of the State Education Department and President of The University of the State of New York (USNY). The University is one of the largest and most comprehensive educational systems in the world.

Incorporated by the Legislature in 1784, the Board of Regents is the oldest continuous policy-making board of education in the nation. Under the State Constitution, the Regents head the State Education Department and The University of the State of New York which oversees and assists more than 7,000 public and independent elementary and secondary schools; 270 public and independent colleges and universities; 7,000 libraries; 900 museums; 25 public broadcasting facilities; 3,000 historical repositories; 436 proprietary schools; 48 professions encompassing more than 761,000 licensees plus 240,000 certified educators; and services for children and adults with disabilities.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

For more information: www.nysed.gov

Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to:

Commissioner Search, P.O. Box 127, Albany, NY 12201-0127

Nominations may be sent to the same address.

Review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.