Former Mayor Jorge Elorza to head up Democrats for Education Reform
(WJAR) — Former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza will lead Democrats for Education Reform, a national political advocacy group.
The group backs candidates who are committed to changing the public education system.
Elorza will serve as their new CEO and also lead it's affiliate non-partisan think-tank, Education Reform Now.
The group announced Elorza's appointment Monday, pointing to Elorza's work in Providence where he backed school building repairs and expanded charter schools.
"What I admire most about Jorge is his unwavering commitment to put the interest of students above adult politics,” DFER Interim CEO Shakira Petit wrote in a statement. “There is a tremendous opportunity right now for leaders to utilize historic investments in education to advance the innovative approaches that we know work for students."
Elorza served two terms as mayor of Providence. He is the co-founder of the Latino Policy Institute Roger Williams University School of Law, where he previously worked as a law professor.