California lost an icon in our school system today. Delaine Eastin's legacy as a trailblazer in public education will forever inspire us. Her unwavering dedication to California students, from championing Universal Preschool and school nutrition, to honoring our educators by establishing the Teacher of the Year Awards, has left an indelible mark on our state's educational landscape. It was my privilege to honor her at this year’s Teacher of the Year gala.
As the first and only woman to have served as State Superintendent of Public Instruction, she was a visionary, helping to bridge the gap between education and the high-tech industry through initiatives like Netday with President Clinton that pioneered the integration of technology in classrooms, ensuring that thousands of children had digital access in the early days of the internet.
Her dedication and foresight to nurturing and preparing students for the future laid the foundation for what has been possible for our students today. We express our condolences and offer our thoughts and prayers to Superintendent Eastin’s loved ones. We will miss you, Superintendent Eastin.