Louisiana's Education Chief: Balancing Policy and Politics
Cade Brumley, the state superintendent of education in Louisiana, is making waves in the education world. He's known for his hands-on approach, often visiting schools and engaging with students and teachers. His focus is on improving math and reading skills, and he's had some success in raising the state's rankings.
A Former Educator Leading Change
Brumley is a former teacher and principal, so he knows the ins and outs of education. He's been in his role for five years now, and during that time, he's implemented several policy changes. These include:
- Literacy reforms
- A statewide tutoring program
- Stricter school accountability measures
He's also been working on math reforms, hoping to achieve similar success to what he's seen in reading.
Navigating Politics and Policy
Brumley's work isn't just about policy. He's also had to navigate the political landscape. He's been praised for his ability to work with different groups, from business leaders to teachers unions. But he's also faced criticism for some of his decisions, like:
- Dismantling an equity office
- Promoting videos from a right-wing media company for classroom use
A Focused Leader
Despite these challenges, Brumley remains focused on his goal: improving outcomes for students. He starts his day with prayer and spends his time working on initiatives that he believes will make a difference. He's also been open about his political beliefs, like his opposition to Biden's Title IX rules.
The Future Ahead
Brumley's future is uncertain, but for now, he's focused on his job. He's been recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and tapped to lead a new higher-education task force. He's also been considered for other roles, like LSU's president, but he's not ready to leave his current position.
A Complex Figure
In the end, Brumley is a complex figure. He's a policy wonk who's also a political player. He's a former educator who's now a state leader. And he's a man who's trying to balance his beliefs with his responsibilities. It's a tough job, but Brumley seems up for the challenge.