1st Native Appointed To CA Board Of Ed.

 SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Nations Indian Gaming Association has announced the appointment of James Ramos, Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, to the California State Board of Education, by Governor Jerry Brown. Chairman Ramos is the first California Native American to be appointed to this Board.

"The appointment of Chairman Ramos signifies an important milestone for California tribal people," said Daniel J. Tucker, Chairman of CNIGA. "I am hopeful that this is the beginning of increased involvement by tribal people in these important local, state and federal positions."

The State Board of Education is the governing and policy-making body of the California Department of Education. The Board sets state-wide, K-12 education policy in areas of standards, instructional materials, assessment, and accountability.

"I find it an honor to be appointed by Governor Brown to this prestigious board and will work hard to ensure a quality education is accessible for all Californians," said Chairman James Ramos.

Ramos has served as the Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for the last three years. He has an additional year remaining in his term. Recently Ramos was re-elected to a second term for the San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees, where he was the top vote getter. Ramos was appointed by Gov. Schwarzenegger in January 2008 to the Native American Heritage Commission, for which he currently serves as chairman.
The California Nations Indian Gaming Association is a non-profit association comprised of 24 federally recognized tribal governments dedicated to the protection of tribal sovereignty and the right of tribes to have gaming on Indian lands.