Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.

Michal Kurlaender, of Davis, has been appointed to the Education Commission of the States. Kurlaender has been a Professor at the University of California, Davis since 2016, where she has served in several positions since 2004 including Associate Professor and Assistant Professor. She has been Co-Director at Policy Analysis for California Education since 2009. Kurlaender was a Teaching Fellow and Researcher at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education from 1999 to 2004. She was a Researcher for the Civil Rights Project at Harvard University from 1997 to 2004. Kurlaender is a member of the National Academy of Education and Lead Researcher at Wheelhouse: The Center for Community College Leadership and Research. She earned a Master of Education degree in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University and a Doctor of Education degree in Education Policy from Harvard University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Kurlaender is a Democrat.