DeVos promises to be "a tireless advocate for all students" as the new U.S. Secretary of Education.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Betsy DeVos was confirmed Tuesday as the new U.S. Secretary of Education, by the tightest-possible Senate vote.
The Senate vote, a 50-50 tie, had to be broken by a vote cast by Vice President Mike Pence.
Following her confirmation, DeVos released a statement promising to be "a tireless advocate for all students."
"Partnering with students, parents, educators, state and local leaders, Congress and all stakeholders, we will improve education options and outcomes across America," she said.
Trump tweeted "Betsy DeVos is a reformer, and she is going to be a great Education Sec. for our kids!"
Here are five things Staten Island parents should know about DeVos and how she might impact education:
- Who is Betsy DeVos? DeVos, 59, was born and raised in Western Michigan. She has been an active member of the Republican Party since her 20s, and a regular campaign contributor to Republican-Conservative candidates. She is a billionaire; she chairs the Windcrest Group, an investment management firm she started with her husband, Dick DeVos Jr. She considers herself to be a conservative Christian.
- What does the Secretary of Education do? As Secretary of Education, DeVos is charged with implementing laws and policies affecting the nation's public schools, including the Common Core curriculum and special education. She also will have to address several hot-button issues in higher education, such as rising tuition costs, growing student debt, sexual assault and freedom of speech on campuses.
- Why was her appointment so controversial? DeVos has no professional experience in public schools. Her background in education centers around efforts to promote school choice, and she once called the public education system a "dead end." There is fear that DeVos would cut funds to public schools by diverting taxpayer money to charter schools and private schools. Proponents of school choice, however, welcome her appointment, and the possibility of approving school tax vouchers that could help parents of Catholic and parochial school students with tuition costs.
- What's her stance on Common Core? DeVos made conflicting statements on curriculum standards during her confirmation hearing. First she said "it is the job of states" to set curriculum standards, but then said she would "implement the statutory requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act" (ESSA). The ESSA requires every state to submit its plan for standards to the Department of Education for approval. States whose plans are not approved could lose federal funding.
- What impact will she have on Staten Island schools? Schools on Staten Island should see little or no immediate impact from the DeVos appointment. Borough schools are under the city Department of Education and are funded through state aid and city tax-levy money.
(Parents: What's your take on the DeVos appointment? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.)