ED lands another honest-to-goodness reformer. Michael Robbins, formerly of SEED and continuously a good egg, is joining the Department to work with Peter Groff in the????Faith-Based and Community Initiatives office. Michael has an interesting background having worked both in the schools world and community development/public service. He'll be an asset.
For selfish reasons, I'm especially pleased by his particular placement. The Bush administration started the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives effort to recognize and expand the invaluable contributions of local groups, including those motivated by faith. During my time at the WH, I was always impressed by OFBCI's work; their events and conferences were enormous and substantive, speaking directly to the popularity and importance of the subject.
Moreover, at the intersection of faith-based organizations and education stands inner-city Catholic schooling, a priceless American institution that's on the ropes and deserves attention. One of my small accomplishments inside the government was this report, which, among other things, tries to make the simple case that disadvantaged city kids need great schools so we should protect those we have irrespective of their provider.????
So in my opinion, that the Obama administration maintained OFBCI is encouraging, that Michael Robbins is going to lend his talents to this cause is exciting, and that several people at ED are beginning to show interest in the faith-based urban schools issues is reason for cheer.????