SACRAMENTO – Senate President Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) today endorsed Sen. Gloria Romero for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

“Gloria Romero’s history as a public servant shows that she’s a independent fighter for justice and civil rights for all Californians,” Steinberg said. “If we are going to close the achievement gap and ensure all students can compete in the 21st Century economy, we need someone like Gloria Romero who will fight for kids to improve our public schools."

Steinberg appointed Romero to chair the Senate Education Committee, which oversees all education legislation in the State Senate. Romero created and chaired the Senate Select Committee on Urban School Governance and has authored numerous bills seeking to restore accountability in our public school system and enhance the learning opportunities for California’s students.

Romero also served on the Senate Select Committee on High School Graduation, which was created and chaired by Steinberg. The committee’s focus was examining California’s high drop-out rate and recommending legislation to ensure kids attend and graduate high school.

“Gloria Romero is an excellent partner in the fight to make our schools places where kids can prepare for college or a middle class job or both,” Steinberg said. “She understands the most important work we do as a society is making sure that all students have a chance to achieve the American Dream.”

Romero was elected to the 24th Senate District in 2001, representing East Los Angeles and the greater San Gabriel Valley. In 2004, she was elected by her peers to be Senate Majority Leader – the first and only woman to hold that position in the California State Senate.

Romero earned her PhD in Psychology from the University of California and has taught at every level of higher education. She continues to be a member of the faculty at California State University, Los Angeles.

CONTACT: Lisa Gasperoni @ (916) 803-0433