PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Governor Gina M. Raimondo today designated Daniel P. McConaghy as chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education and William Foulkes as chair of the Council on Post-Secondary Education.
"From record funding for K-12 education; the full implementation of all-day kindergarten across the state; and proposals for dual enrollment, last dollar scholarships, loan forgiveness and workforce development - the budget calls for significant investments in education to set our students on a path of opportunity," said Raimondo. "Great schools and a pipeline of well-trained, well-educated workers are key to attracting companies to invest and create jobs here. Dan and Bill have the experience and talent to help implement these proposals and build the foundation for success in our schools."
"Strengthening our K-12 and post-secondary education systems is an investment in our children, teachers, economy and our future," said Board of Education chair Barbara Cottam. "Dan and Bill bring a wealth of diverse experience and are strong advocates for Rhode Island students. I know they will be great partners and I look forward to all that both Councils will accomplish."
"It is an honor to have been selected to chair the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education," said McConaghy. "As a parent of three public school children, I understand firsthand the importance of a quality education from a young age. I am committed to making an excellent public education system accessible for all Rhode Island students."
"I am honored by the opportunity to chair the Council on Post-Secondary Education," said Foulkes. "I will work on behalf of all Rhode Islanders to empower young adults through education so they can achieve their full potential. I am excited to get to work with my fellow Council members to prepare our students for post-secondary learning and success in a 21st century economy."
The Board of Education is the chief policy-setting body overseeing PK-20 education in Rhode Island. Through its designated powers and duties, the Board helps shape the course of public education to ensure that all of the state's students receive the best possible education.
Daniel P. McConaghy is the executive vice president for Gilbane Building Company. He is a member of the New England Council, AGC of Rhode Island and Massachusetts Chapters, Construction Management Association of America, the Phoenix House Executive Committee, San Miguel School Board, and the LaSalle Academy Board of Trustees. He is a past member of the American Association of Cost Engineers, Town of Warren Hall of Fame Committee, and served as a Carl Lauro School mentor. McConaghy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard University and a Master in Business Administration from Babson College.
William Foulkes is a strategic planning and marketing consultant, and currently a faculty member at the Rhode Island School of Design where he teaches entrepreneurship and business. Foulkes holds an A.B. in History from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
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