LOS ANGELES /California Newswire/ — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa yesterday named Joan Sullivan Deputy Mayor of Education. She is the founder of the Bronx Academy of Letters High School in New York City and is currently a member of the Urban Assembly, a non-profit organization that is at the forefront of new school development in the New York metropolitan area. “Joan brings extensive experience as a teacher, principal and reformer,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “I am confident Joan will serve with the passion and energy that have been the hallmark of her career, and serve to help further our goal of providing our children with the high level of education they deserve.”

In her role as Deputy Mayor, Ms. Sullivan will further develop and oversee the implementation of the Mayor’s education policy initiatives, monitor education legislation, and pursue funding opportunities on the federal, state and county level. She will also coordinate outreach and collaborative efforts with external stakeholders and partners, including institutions of higher education, education reform organizations, and philanthropic groups.

Ms. Sullivan will oversee the Department of Education, which was formerly a part of the department known as Education, Youth and Families. That department has been redefined to ensure that each policy area has a team solely dedicated to that pressing social issue. The Deputy Mayor of Education will now be a separate position from the Deputy Mayor of Youth and Families. Miriam Long, the Deputy Mayor of Youth and Families, will provide management oversight, direction and implementation of the Mayor’s agenda in the area of municipal services most related to the city’s children and families.