State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today watched President Obama’s back-to-school message with students at Sequoia Elementary School in Sacramento.

“I would like to commend and thank President Obama for taking the time to address our nation’s students. These are trying times for America as millions of people continue to cope with the effects of the global economic downturn.

“Unfortunately, our students and educators are not immune to this phenomenon, and cutbacks in education funding across the country – especially here in California – illustrate this reality all too well.

“But the President’s message today is just the sort of infusion of inspiration and confidence that I believe can propel our schools to do even more, even better with fewer resources. Furthermore, the President could not be more right in encouraging students to set their educational goals high and commit themselves to reaching and even exceeding those benchmarks.

“President Obama also discussed an important idea that all Americans must come to understand: the future of our country is inextricably linked with the future of our students. They are very much one and the same. This is a President who understands this concept and is prepared to do all that he can to positively affect it; and I stand in strong support of his efforts.

“I would like to strongly encourage parents and teachers to further discuss the importance of the President’s speech with students. And for those students, parents, and teachers who have not seen it, please take a moment to read, listen, or watch it.  It has never been more important for us, collectively, to rally behind our students and in support of education. The President’s address today represents a tremendous opportunity for us to achieve this.”