Bobb After Final Board of Ed Meeting: 'I'll Be Back'

On the last night of his tenure as the first president of the D.C. State Board of Education, Robert C. Bobb passed the baton to his fellow board members and wished them well.

"I couldn't think of a better night to end," said Bobb, who was elected president of the former D.C. Board of Education in 2006. "It's been a very successful transition from one board to the next."

Robert C. Bobb. (By Marvin Joseph -- TWP.)

Last year, the D.C. Council agreed to give Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) authority over all school curriculum, operations, personnel and facilities. Bobb said the main disappointment after the transition was the board's "inability to communicate who we are."

He urged board members to ensure that the standards they have approved in health, physical education, early learning standards, truancy regulations and teacher training programs are upheld.

As the state board of education becomes a fully elected body next month, Bobb encouraged board members to deliver their message to the community.

"You are elected officials and your role in the community is important," he said. "Your advocacy is very important."

Bobb said he will become an advocate for early childhood education and work to improve literacy rates among young black males.

"It's been as they say 'a thrill'," said Bobb. "But the thrill isn't gone yet. I'll be back."

Timothy Wilson