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THE WHITE HOUSE

                     Office of the Press Secretary
                         (San Jose, California)
________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                      March 3, 2000

PRESIDENT CLINTON NAMES GUILLERMO LINARES AS CHAIR OF THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMISSION ON EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR HISPANIC AMERICANS

The President today announced the appointment of Guillermo Linares as Chair of the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.

Mr. Guillermo Linares, of New York, New York, has served as a member of the Commission since January, 1995. He has been Vice Chair since 1998. Mr. Linares became the first Dominican-American to be elected to public office in the United States when he was elected to the New York City Council in 1991. He was re-elected in November, 1993 and again in November, 1997. He continues to serve as a councilman. Previously, Mr. Linares was president of Community School Board #6 in Northern Manhattan. His prior experience includes positions as an Adjunct Professor and Project Director at the City College of New York, an Adult Literacy Consultant/Instructor at the Hispanic Women's Center, a Project Associate at Teachers College, Columbia University, and as a Resource Specialist and Curriculum Specialist at the New York City Board of Education. Mr. Linares was a founding member of the Community Association of Progressive Dominicans, where he served as coordinator of educational programs. He was a founding member and Co-President of the Parents Coalition for Education, Inc. in New York City, served as President of the Chancellors Commission on Bilingual Education and as a member of the Board of Directors of Advocates for Children of New York City, Inc. He was elected Co-President of the Black and Hispanic Caucus of the New York City Council in 1998. In addition, he serves as a member of the Executive Board of the National Council of La Raza and as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Latino Appointed and Elected Officials.

Mr. Linares earned a B.A. in 1973 and a M.S. in 1979, from the City College of New York. He is currently an Ed.D. candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University.

The President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans has been established in the Department of Education to advise the President and the Secretary of Education on the progress of Hispanic Americans toward achievement of the National Educational Goals and other standards of educational accomplishment. The Commission develops, monitors, and coordinates federal efforts to promote high quality education for Hispanic Americans. The Commission also examines ways to increase state, private sector, and community involvement in improving education.

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