News Conference to Announce the Appointment of Dr. Billy K. Cannaday as
Superintendent of Public Instruction
April 12, 2006
Excerpt Transcript

(Governor Timothy M. Kaine)

I am a passionate, passionate believer in public education, and the power of public education, and the fact that Virginia is doing a whole series of things very, very well. But I am also a person who believes that we just need to be focused and do better and better and better. So the choice of a superintendent of public instruction has probably been the position I have thought most about, cared most about, and I am so excited to be here today with Dr. Cannaday. I want to say first a word of congratulations and thanks to Pat Wright. Pat has been the interim superintendent of public instruction for the commonwealth for a number of months and has just done a superb job…so with that Dr. Cannaday, congratulations – thank you for joining our team.

(Dr. Cannaday)

I think it is very important when you heard the Governor talk about a passion. I do believe and strongly feel that our young people are not only our future but they really determine the quality of life of every community across the commonwealth. It is not enough to simply educate them for the basics. Very soon they will be taking the positions that we hold now, and what I hope is, is that not only do they do exceedingly well, but that they care very deeply. Because citizenship really is a way to keep the democracy of the commonwealth and this country great and without it we are all in jeopardy. I’d like to again thank the Governor for placing confidence in me. You will not regret it.