Tony Thurmond, educator and public school parent, took his oath of office as California’s 28th superintendent of public instruction Monday, saying that it is an honor to lead the state’s 6.2 million students and over 10,000 schools.

Thurmond

He said his own life story underscored the vital need for all students, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or immigration status, to have a first-class education.

“I grew up in poverty and without my parents,” he said. “But I was raised by a cousin, an amazing woman, who made certain that I got a great education. That’s what got me where I am today, and that’s what I want for my two daughters and all students. I pledge to devote all my energy, talent, experience, and all the powers of my office to ensure all students get a great education.”

Thurmond, a former assemblyman, was a social worker who worked in nonprofits and in education and served on the West Contra Costa County school board and as a member of the Richmond City Council.

His plan also includes keeping schools safe by reducing gun violence; providing school-based mental and physical health services to ensure that students get the care they need and come to school healthy, alert and ready to learn; expanding access to early education and after-school programs to help reduce the achievement gap; making college and career pathways accessible to all students; alleviating the teacher shortage so that all schools have highly trained and certified teachers; and improving the type of student data available to allow better research and analysis of student learning.

Thurmond is the first Afro-Latino and second African American to hold the position of state superintendent of public instruction.