Below are remarks by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos at her first all-staff meeting.
Good morning.
Thank you for gathering, or for taking a few minutes to tune in from your offices around the Department.
And thank you for your welcome. I have been eager to get here and meet everyone!
I’m guessing you already know, but my name is Betsy, and I am here with you—alongside you— to serve our nation’s students. We, here at the Department of Education, are fortunate to join an incredible array of parents, teachers, educators and school leaders to serve all of America’s students.
It’s such a pleasure to finally be here, and I’m so pleased that my husband Dick could join today, too. He has been an amazing partner for nearly 38 years, and in the past weeks has been unfaltering in his support and encouragement. I’m so grateful for him and for my family.
This is a humbling and exciting opportunity to serve.
Let me start simply, by saying “thank you” to each of you – those here in the Department and those across the country who work every day to make education better.
Let me specifically note and thank Mr. Phillip Rosenfelt. You all know Phil, I am sure. I have quickly learned he’s a well-respected and familiar face around here. In fact, Phil’s service predates our current Department of Education.
While Phil and I met just a short time ago, I know he has done an outstanding job as Acting Secretary. Phil was gracious enough to join me for a tour of two other Department of Education office buildings here in the District this morning. I am grateful for his steady leadership, and that of the entire ED transition team here on stage. The work of the Department during this transition is a testament to Phil’s selfless leadership and longstanding commitment to the Department’s mission. Again, thank you, Phil and the Transition team!