(Sacramento, CA)— Speaker John A. Pérez has named Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Education. The Speaker announced yesterday changes to his leadership team and appointed new committee chairs.  The changes take effect this Friday, August 10th.

“I am honored that the Speaker has chosen me for this position,” said Buchanan.  “I look forward to working with my colleagues and with stakeholders in the education community on legislation that will make the best use of our resources to benefit California’s students.”

Assemblymember Buchanan has been a member of the Assembly Education Committee since she was first elected in 2008.  Before being elected to the State Assembly, Buchanan served on the San Ramon Valley School Board for 18 years.  She is also a member of the State Allocation Board and the Assembly representative on the State Advisory Commission on Special Education.

“We currently are facing unique challenges in funding education in our state,’ Buchanan continued, “but we will hold steadfast to our mission of preparing students to be the workers, leaders, and innovators of tomorrow’s global economy.”

Education has been a lifelong priority for Assemblymember Buchanan. While raising her five children, she was very involved in PTA, was a youth soccer coach, and classroom computer mom.   A graduate of San Francisco public schools and UC Santa Barbara, Joan has first-hand knowledge of California public schools at every level as a student, parent, community advocate, and elected school board member.

Contact: Susanna Schlendorf, (916) 319-2015