BURBANK, CA – Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, the highest-ranking education official in California, met with several Armenian American community leaders at the home of Burbank Board of Education President Paul Krekorian on December 16, 2005, reported the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR). Superintendent O’Connell discussed a variety of public education issues impacting the Armenian American community, including instruction about the Armenian Genocide in the public schools.

“History is an integral component of education, and it is important to accurately portray the history of the Armenian Genocide in public schools,” stated O’Connell following the meeting.

Paul Krekorian hosted the meeting to develop stronger ties between the Armenian American community and the State Department of Education.

“Superintendent Jack O’Connell is a good friend and a dedicated advocate for all of California’s children,” Krekorian said. “I’m very glad he has shown such a strong interest in addressing the unique issues that impact Armenian youth, and all of us who care about education appreciate his efforts to build a strong relationship between the schools and the Armenian community.” Krekorian observed that “Armenian-Americans clearly have a friend in Jack O’Connell.”

Among those from the Armenian American community participating in the meeting were Glendale Community College Board of Trustees members Dr. Armine Hacopian and Dr. Vahe Peroomian, the Armenian Relief Society – Western US Chairwoman Angela Savoian, Arshag Dickranian School Board of Trustees Chairman George Mandossian, Armenian Rights Council Executive Director Tamar Poladian, Hasmig Tateosian from the Genocide Education Project, and ANCA-WR Director Armen Carapetian.

Carapetian briefed the Superintendent on the efforts of the ANCA-WR to implement the State’s Genocide curricula mandate in school districts, as well as challenges in getting adequate resource materials to teachers. Tateosian briefed O’Connell on the Genocide Education Project’s 1-, 3- and 10-day course outlines, which are aimed to help teachers in educating students on the lessons of genocide.

The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.

Editor’s Note:

Photo 1: (Left to right) ANCA-WR Regional Director Armen Carapetian, Burbank School Board President Paul Krekorian, and Legislative Representative for Superintendent O’Connell, Lupita Cortez Alcala.

Photo 2: Members of the Armenian Community with Superintendent O’Connell.

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