The Basketball Connection: SACRAMENTO MAYOR HAS GROWING NATIONAL ROLE IN EDUCATION REFORM

Melody Gutierrez  | Sacramento Bee

Apr. 27, 2010 -- Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said he is stepping up his role as an education advocate following his appointment to two national groups aimed at education reform.

Johnson will serve as the chairman of the newly formed Mayoral Leadership in Public Schools, a task force composed of mayors from across the country that will examine mayoral roles in public education and ways of engaging the community.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan also tapped Johnson to serve as co-chairman on the Mayoral Advisory Council. Johnson will meet Thursday with mayors from across the state to discuss high school dropout rates.

smf: Former NBA player Johnson operates a controversial charter school program. Additionally, he is engaged to DC Superintendent Michelle Rhee.

Popular Comment/SacBee: Maybe we should ask our Mayor why so many Sac Charter students are "counseled out" of Sac Charter right before the State Testing starts. Just ask any Hiram Johnson or CKM teacher who receives these students. His school is a sham. He has no business (maybe monkey business) being on any committee or task force discussing education. Keep your hands off of my child's (education)-- misssappy