Michael Williams named Tx. Commissioner of Education

Statement by Peggy Venable, AFP-Texas Director,

On Michael Williams Appointment as Commissioner of Education

 Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Michael Williams as Texas Commissioner of Education. This is an excellent selection as Williams is the individual to lead this important agency as the education delivery system is in need of modernization.

Williams has the leadership experience and a background in education.  He has served the U.S. Department of Education as Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights.  He was preceded in that position by current U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas who I worked with at the Department of Education.

He has also served in other top positions in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury.

A former prosecutor and deputy district attorney, Williams is a no-nonsense administrator who would not hesitate to shut down bad charter schools.

A Midland native, both of his parents were teachers.

Williams is a fiscal conservative and has the distinction of being the first African American in Texas history to be elected state-wide as a Republican.   A former prosecutor and deputy district attorney, Williams is a no-nonsense administrator who would not hesitate to shut down bad charter schools.

Michael Williams will serve with distinction and I believe he will put Texas schoolchildren, parents and taxpayers ahead of special interests, while working to give teachers and schools greater autonomy and holding them accountable for results.