EdAllies’ Statement on Appointment of Mary Cathryn Ricker as Minnesota’s Next Commissioner of Education

Dec 20, 2018

Today, Daniel Sellers, Executive Director of EdAllies, released the following statement in response to the appointment of Mary Cathryn Ricker as Minnesota’s next Commissioner of Education:

“First, I want to congratulate Mary Cathryn Ricker on being appointed as the state’s next Commissioner of Education. As a longtime teacher and union leader, she will no doubt be an effective advocate for educators. I look forward to collaborating with her and the Department of Education on the pressing issues facing Minnesota students and families. Over the past several years, there has been growing momentum on several issues on which I’m eager to partner, including diversifying the teaching force, supporting schools to move away from exclusionary discipline practices that disproportionately impact students of color and students with special needs, and continuing the Department’s work to make well-rounded information on school performance accessible to families.

“The education community has been eager to learn who our next commissioner would be. Advocates, parents, students, and other education stakeholders know what an important role our commissioner plays. Now that new leadership is in place, it is more critical than ever that we renew our commitment to engaging as partners in the Department of Education’s work. Parents, students, and the broader education community need a voice in making sure state policy and practice reflect their needs, assets, and realities. Ricker brings extensive experience to this role, but will need all of us at the table helping craft a vision for Minnesota schools grounded in equity. I hope that, as the Commissioner of Education, Ricker will convene and listen to diverse stakeholders, including those who don’t share her experiences and views.

“Finally, given our state’s opportunity and achievement gaps, it’s especially important that Ricker and the entire department listen to and prioritize historically underserved students and families. At EdAllies, we are committed to supporting the new commissioner—and holding her accountable—to do this.”

For more information or interviews, contact EdAllies Senior Strategic Communications Director Ariana Kiener: 612.666.3066 or akiener@edalliesmn.org

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About EdAllies: EdAllies partners with schools, families, and communities to ensure that every young Minnesotan has access to a rigorous and engaging education. We advance policies that put underserved students first, remove barriers facing successful schools and programs, and foster an inclusive conversation about what’s possible for students.