Rep. Roy Takumi Named to Serve as Vice-Chair of Education Commission of the States

State Representative Roy M. Takumi (Pearl City, Manana, Waipio) has been selected as vice chair of the Education Commission of the States (ESC) for 2015-2017. Takumi was selected for the position earlier in 2013 and is currently completing a 2013-2015 term. He will continue to be involved in developing and implementing a strategy to effectively engage states and ECS commissioners in its mission, and promoting ECS in Hawaii and across the nation.

“As chair for the House’s Committee on Education, I hope to leverage my roles in the House and with the ESC to further education goals both locally and nationally,” said Rep. Takumi. “I will have the privilege of not only collaborating with ECS President Jeremy Anderson but also with Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, who serves as ECS chair, and Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, who is our chair-elect.”

Rep. Takumi was also appointed by House Speaker Joseph M. Souki (Kahakuloa, Waihee, Waiehu, Puuohala, Wailuku, Waikapu) to serve as a member of the Council of State Governments’ (CSG) Education & Workforce Development Public Policy Committee for 2015-2016.

Takumi has served in the House of Representatives since 1992 and has served as chair of the House Education committee since 2003. He has also chaired the Intergovernmental and International Affairs Committee, Ocean Recreation and Marine Resources Committee, and Higher Education Committee.

Education Commission of the States
The Education Commission of the States is a national research and resource organization founded in 1965 to track state policy trends, translate academic research, provide unbiased advice and create opportunities for state leaders to learn from one another. It works with policymakers, researchers and practitioners at all levels of education, from pre-K to postsecondary and beyond, and is the only state-focused national organization to bring together governors, state legislators, K-12 and higher education department chiefs and other education leaders.

Council of State Government
The Council of State Government’s Education Public Policy Committee provides a forum for state leaders to address emerging challenges and issues arising from dynamic educational conditions. Members of the committee focus on emerging trends, innovative and effective solutions, and viable policy positions and response projects.

The Council of State Governments is the nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy, offering unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.