SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced the appointment of four people to key positions in the California Department of Education (CDE).

Marta Reyes will be the Director of CDE's new Charter School Division. She has worked in the field of education since 1966. The Shingle Springs resident has been a teacher and consultant, as well as the owner and CEO of a nonprofit education enrichment program, and then director of a prescriptive education program. In her last position, Reyes was the Executive Director of the El Dorado County Office of Education's Charter School Programs.

"Marta's expertise will be invaluable to the success of these innovative programs," said O'Connell. "We have about 480 charter schools operating throughout California with more being added each year. Marta will work to encourage the sharing of best practices and to use that information to ensure all charter schools are successful in helping to raise student achievement."

Ann Bancroft will serve as a Senior Communications Advisor to Superintendent O'Connell. She has worked in the public information field since 1986. Bancroft has worked as a journalism instructor, journalist, and editorial writer. In her last position, Bancroft was the Assistant Secretary for Communications for the California Office of the Secretary for Education.

Hilary McLean will serve as O'Connell's Press Secretary. She has worked in the public information field since 1992. McLean has worked as a journalist, legislative aide, press director, and press secretary. Most recently, McLean was the Chief Deputy Press Secretary for Governor Gray Davis.

Lupita Cortez will serve as a legislative aide in CDE's Government Affairs Branch. She has worked in the field of education and volunteered in programs to assist minorities and the underprivileged since 1993. Most recently, Cortez worked as a legislative advocate for the California School Boards Association, and as the Deputy Legislative Secretary for Governor Davis.

"We have a big job in front of us as we work to communicate to the field and parents about such issues as California's implementation of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Hilary and Ann will bring a wealth of experience in helping us to accomplish this goal and advance our work guiding students and improving education in California," said O'Connell. "Lupita will bring knowledgeable analysis of education legislation that will help advance education in the state. I am very pleased that all these high-caliber individuals joined my team to help improve the lives of California's more than six million students."