Chairs of the State Senate's Education Committee's Respond to Commissioner Elia's Resignation Announcement

On Monday, July 15th, New York Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia announced her resignation to the Board of Regents. The Chairs of the State Senate Education, New York City Education, and Higher Education Committees respond:

Senator Shelley Mayer, Chair of the Committee on Education, said, "I want to thank Commissioner MaryEllen Elia for her distinguished service to New York families, students and communities throughout the state. Commissioner Elia has been a tireless leader of the State Education Department, a champion of the educational needs of all children and a trusted colleague on critical legislative and fiscal issues before the State Legislature. Additionally, I deeply appreciated Commissioner Elia's attention to putting the needs of students first. While Commissioner Elia leaves us well positioned to continue to advance the important work of driving equity and adequacy in educational opportunities, her presence will be missed by all New Yorkers, and I ask them to join me in wishing her well in her future endeavors."

Senator John Liu, Chair of the Committee on New York City Education, said, "Many thanks to Commissioner Elia for her dedication to the students of New York State. She demonstrated a commitment to students in our state who are most in need, and a drive to fight for schoolchildren to receive the resources they deserve. I wish Commissioner Elia well in her future endeavors, and look forward to working with stakeholders to find a new Commissioner who, like Elia, will put students first."

Senator Toby A. Stavisky, Chair of the Committee on Higher Education, said, "I want to thank Commissioner Elia for her service as a teacher, administrator and as commissioner. She has brought her experience, leadership skills and calming influence to one of the most demanding positions in the education community. Her door has always been open and I wish her well in her future endeavors."