News Article - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 12, 2001
Contact:	Jonathan Palumbo, 781-338-3105

Education Commissioner Announces New Press Director

Malden - Massachusetts Commissioner of Education David P. Driscoll announced today that former Associated Press reporter, Heidi Perlman, has been named as the director for media affairs at the Department of Education. Commissioner Driscoll said, "I have long been impressed with Heidi's grasp of the issues relating to public education and her sincere effort to report the news in a balanced way. She will be supported by current media contact, Jonathan Palumbo, who has done a tremendous job during a time when we were shorthanded and media requests were at an all-time high. With Heidi and Jonathan we have a team that is responsive, conscientious and committed to excellence, and I am pleased to have her on board." For the past nine years Ms. Perlman has been covering statewide education issues for several daily publications including the Sun of Lowell, the Metrowest Daily News and the Daily Transcript of Dedham. Last April, she became education reporter for the AP and has closely followed key education reform issues. In her new role, she will work closely with both the Commissioner and the media to strengthen effective, proactive ways of relaying news. Over the next few months she will oversee the release of critical education news. The 2001 MCAS scores will be released in the fall, and along with Governor Swift, Commissioner Driscoll is conducting the "Project 2003" outreach, a coordinated statewide approach to help as many Class of 2003 students as possible pass the tests and graduate. A Pawtucket, R.I. native and a graduate of Emerson College, she is the daughter of two public school teachers. Ms. Perlman's telephone number will be 781-338-3106. For Massachusetts Department of Education news and information, please visit www.doe.mass.edu.

Last Updated: September 12, 2001