On June 5, Pennsylvania’s Education Secretary Charles B. Zogby announced that James Buckheit has been named Acting Director of the State Board of Education. Prior to assuming this position, Buckheit served as Director of the Department of Education’s School Services Unit.

   "Jim Buckheit knows education – from laws and regulations to policies and teaching methods," Secretary Zogby said. "And he knows how to help parents, teachers and administrators use this information to deliver a better education to Pennsylvania’s children."

   Buckheit holds a degree in history and a master’s degree in public administration from Long Island University, Greenvale, N.Y., and has more than 20 years of experience in education administration, policy development, budget preparation and management. Buckheit is a member of the Central Dauphin School District’s School Board Parent Advisory Committee and treasurer of the E.H. Phillips Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization. He is a former board member and treasurer of the Department of Labor and Industry Parents’ Association. Buckheit also is involved in a wide range of community groups and activities.

   The State Board of Education is the regulatory and policy-making authority for basic and higher education in Pennsylvania.