The Future of Education in Oregon

As students return to schools and colleges across the state, City Club welcomes Rudy Crew, the man whom The Oregonian editorial board identifies as the key player to "shape the next decade of public education in Oregon, not to mention the legacy of Gov. John Kitzhaber."

In June, the Oregon Education Investment Board approved Gov. Kitzhaber's choice of Rudy Crew as the state's first Chief Education Officer. Crew will oversee the state's entire education system - preschool to graduate school - paving the way for the state to meet ambitious goals by 2025: 40 percent of students attaining college degrees, 40 percent acquiring technical degrees, and 20 percent graduating high school with educations that prepare them for employment.

As the former chancellor of the New York City school system and former superintendent of schools in Miami, Sacramento and Tacoma, Crew is recognized nationally as a passionate leader in K-12 education reform. The eyes of the entire nation will be watching him - his new assignment in Oregon is the only such position in the country.