Weis Picked to Chair Federal Committee

It’s a pretty short gig--just three days, and then he has to go home.

But for those few days in Washington, D.C., Ventura County schools Supt. Charles Weis will help pick which early-childhood education programs nationwide get federal funding.

Weis has been invited to chair a selection committee that will evaluate agencies applying for money from the U.S. Department of Education. He will fly to Washington later this month.

Weis believes he was tapped for the spot because he sent President Clinton a copy of an information packet, assembled by Weis’ office, for parents of newborn children. The packet, called “A Lifetime of Learning,” gives information and tips about learning in early childhood.

Clinton sent a letter thanking Weis for the submission. And the Education Department contacted Weis about chairing the committee.

Weis noted that early-childhood programs, which can include Head Start or training for child-care providers, will take on greater importance as the country overhauls welfare programs.

“There’s going to be an increased need for child care for those mothers going back to work,” he said.