First 5 LA Vice President of Policy and Strategy Kim Pattillo Brownson has been appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to serve as a member of the State Board of Education.
The 11-member State Board of Education is California’s K–12 policy-making body. It plays a key role in formulating and overseeing implementation of multiple education policies and reforms. The Board serves 6.2 million children, who comprise one in eight public schoolchildren in the U.S., making it the nation’s largest school system.
“I am honored to serve California’s kids,” Pattillo Brownson said of the appointment. “I am excited to lift up connections between early learning, K–12 and fairness so all of our children can thrive.”
The State Board is a voluntary body whose mission is well aligned with First 5 LA’s commitment to ensuring that all children are ready to learn and succeed in school and in life.
“This is another great example of Gov. Newsom’s continuing commitment to putting the people and policies in place to boost early childhood development,” said First 5 LA Executive Director Kim Belshé. “Leadership matters — and it’s terrific to see our governor’s recognition of Kim’s ability to make a difference in this important leadership role. Kim’s appointment is a real boost in First 5 LA’s and the field’s efforts to ensure that all kids enter kindergarten ready to succeed and thrive. We are fortunate to have Kim’s continued leadership of the Policy and Strategy Division as she takes on this new civic leadership role.”
