Press Releases
07/18/2019
Governor Lamont Accepts State Board of Education Recommendation and Advances Nomination of Dr. Miguel Cardona to Serve as Education Commissioner
(HARTFORD, CT) – Following a vote by the State Board of Education to recommend Dr. Miguel A. Cardona to serve as commissioner of the State Department of Education, Governor Ned Lamont today announced that is advancing the nomination of the Meriden public schools educator to fill the position.
Dr. Cardona is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning in Meriden, a position that he has held since 2015. In that role, he has been responsible for overseeing the instruction, teaching, leadership development and evaluation, and curriculum for the district’s 9,000 students. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut, where he teaches courses on leadership, ranging from school improvement to culture and climate.
“Connecticut has the best and most qualified teachers of any state in the nation, and I am incredibly proud of the dedication that the men and women who work in our public schools have made to improving outcomes for our next generation,” Governor Lamont said. “The ability to attract businesses and encourage them to expand and grow in our state is directly connected to the strength of our workforce, which is why it is critical that we provide the youngest in our communities with the tools needed for today’s 21st century economy. This specifically includes our urban areas, which for too long have been left behind, resulting in a considerable achievement gap between our poorest and most affluent communities. For more than two decades, Dr. Cardona has dedicated his career to the students of Meriden, where he was himself born, raised, and educated. He firmly understands the challenges many of our urban areas face. I look forward to working with him over the coming years so we can fix some of these inequities and collaborate with educators, parents, and community leaders on providing the best outcomes for our schools and our children.”
“It is an honor to have been nominated to serve in this position, and I am humbled by the opportunity to work with my fellow teachers and leaders on creating the best and most effective educational system for our state’s students as possible,” Dr. Cardona said. “Through a collective effort between everyone who has involvement in our schools, I believe we can make a positive impact on graduation rates, further close achievement gaps, and ensure that all students have increased access to the opportunities and advantages they need to achieve success in life.”
Prior to his current position, Dr. Cardona served as a Performance Evaluation Specialist with the Meriden Board of Education from 2013 to 2015, and was principal of Hanover Elementary School in Meriden from 2003 to 2013. In 2012, he was named Connecticut’s principal of the year. He began his career in education as a fourth grade elementary school teacher.
He has also been involved with a number of professional associations, including as vice president of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, co-chair of the Connecticut Legislative Achievement Gap Task Force and the Connecticut Early Childhood Birth to Grade Three Leaders, and is a member of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree and teacher certification from Central Connecticut State University, and a Master of Education degree in bilingual bicultural education, sixth year certificate in educational leadership, doctorate in educational leadership, and 093 superintendent certification from the University of Connecticut.
As required by statute upon a vacancy in the position of commissioner, the State Board of Education considers candidates from among a field of applicants and makes a recommendation to the governor, who then advances the nomination to the General Assembly for its advice and consent.
Dr. Cardona will begin serving as commissioner-designate on August 7.
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