Kristen Wright has been appointed as the new Special Education Division Director at the California Department of Education.  State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson made the announcement on August 1, 2016.  Wright replaces former Special Education Division Director Fred Balcom who retired in late 2015.  The role was filled by Chris Drouin on an interim basis until a permanent replacement for Balcom was appointed.  Wright begins her assignment on September 1, 2016