Cardona Confirmed

It’s official: New Haven’s schools have a friendly ear in the Biden administration.

That friendly ear belongs to Miguel Cardona. The U.S. Senate confirmed Cardona’s appointment as the new secretary of education.

As Connecticut’s education commissioner, Cardona helped New Haven schools close the digital divide during the pandemic, while retreating from forcing the schools themselves to reopen. Click here to read a previous story about the praise he earned from New Haven education officials for his commitment to equity.

Cardona grew up in Meriden. His parents were originally from Puerto Rico. Miguel enrolled in Meriden public schools without knowing English. He started his career as an elementary public school teacher and moved into principal, assistant superintendent and university professor positions before becoming the state education commissioner.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz released a statement late Monday celebrating the confirmation vote.

“Miguel Cardona’s career and life exemplify the power of public education,” Bysiewicz stated.

“Throughout his career as a public school educator and later as Connecticut’s Education Commissioner, Miguel has been a champion for inclusivity and equity. He’s worked tirelessly to lift up all students by working to close the opportunity gap, recruit more minority teachers, and encourage more young girls to pursue an education in STEM. And, he’s worked to broaden access to advanced-level courses and has ensured that all students have the resources needed to pursue a higher education. During an unprecedented public health emergency, Miguel created a blueprint for how to reopen our schools safely while protecting the health of educators, administrators, staff and students.”