Governor Corbett Nominates Pedro Ramos to Philadelphia School Reform Commission

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today announced he has nominated Pedro A. Ramos to the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, or SRC.

As the governing body of the School District of Philadelphia, the SRC is responsible for setting the policy direction of the school district and responsible for the academic achievements of its students.

"Pedro Ramos has a strong and well-deserved reputation as a leader in Philadelphia's educational community, and he understands the many challenges facing our state's largest public school system," Corbett said. "I'm confident Pedro will bring the same level of determination and dedication to the School Reform Commission's important work.''

Ramos, 46, an attorney with the Philadelphia law firm of Trujillo, Rodriguez & Richards, grew up in North Philadelphia, attended Hunter Elementary School, Conwell Middle School, Central High School and the University of Pennsylvania, before earning his law degree at the University of Michigan.

"I appreciate the magnitude of the challenges facing the District, the enormous potential of every child, and the anxieties and aspirations of parents and taxpayers," Ramos said. "I firmly believe that, working together, the SRC, the Commonwealth, and the City can make a real and positive difference. Governor Corbett and Education Secretary Ron Tomalis have made it clear that that is both their belief and their expectation.''

Corbett's nomination of Ramos fills the vacancy created by David Girard-DiCarlo's departure last February. Ramos, if confirmed by the state Senate for the unpaid position, will serve for the balance of Girard-DiCarlo's term until January 2014.

Ramos has served in several senior leadership positions in government and education, including solicitor and managing director for the City of Philadelphia, as well as vice president and chief of staff to the president of the University of Pennsylvania.

From 1995 to 2001, Ramos served on the School District of Philadelphia's Board of Education. He joined the labor negotiations with the teachers' union in 2000 and served as one of the city's negotiators with the offices of former governors Ridge and Schweiker regarding school funding.

"Governor Corbett truly cares about education in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia and that's certainly clear from his choice of a new School Reform Commission member. Pedro Ramos is a knowledgeable, experienced and passionate champion of public education," Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter said. "I have worked with Pedro in several capacities over the years, when he was city solicitor and president of the Philadelphia School Board. I am hopeful that he will be confirmed, and I look forward to working with him."

Professionally, Ramos leads his law firm's government, education and social sector practice, as well as its consulting affiliate OnePoint Public & Private Solutions. During his legal career, Ramos has represented business, nonprofit and government executives and organizations on a wide-range of compliance, investigation, litigation, policy and governance matters.

Active in several civic and professional associations, Ramos serves on the boards of Project H.O.M.E. (Housing, Opportunities for Employment, Medical Care, Education), a non-profit group working to break the cycle of homelessness, the United Way, and the Philadelphia After School Activities Partnership.

Ramos and his wife, Rafaela, have two daughters, who also attended Philadelphia's public schools.

The School Reform Commission meets two Wednesdays each month.

Media contact: Janet Kelley, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor