Virginia governor-elect Glenn Youngkin said Monday that he’s picked the commonwealth’s next secretary of education: Aimee Rogstad Guidera.
“Aimee will be a critical partner in restoring expectations of excellence; overseeing a record education budget to invest in teachers, facilities and special education; rolling out innovation lab and charter schools; and standing for a curriculum that prepares Virginia’s children for a dynamic future and removes politics from the classroom,” Youngkin said in a statement.
“A nationally recognized leader, Aimee is deeply respected for her distinguished career advocating for innovation and choice, data-driven reform, and high standards, and will apply these principles in order to implement the Day One Game Plan. Most importantly, she understands that parents matter, and the best interests of students must come first. Her leadership, intellect, and talent will be tremendous assets as we ensure Virginia kids are the best prepared in the country to succeed, and that they are taught how to think, not what to think. She will help us recharge a system that has settled for too long.”
Guidera is a Maryland native who moved to Virginia in 1995.
She’s currently the president of Guidera Strategy. Guidera founded the Data Quality Campaign, which is advocates for improved quality, accessibility and use of education data to increase student achievement.
At the start of her career, Guidera worked on education policy at the National Governors Association.
In 1195, Guidera and her husband moved to Virginia. Their daughter attended Fairfax County Public Schools, where she served as a classroom volunteer, parent-teacher organization leader and advisory committee member.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
