State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today the appointment of Valarie Bliss as the new Personnel Services Division Director at the California Department of Education (CDE).“Valarie has dedicated her professional career to serving the Department of Education and guiding our employees,” Torlakson said. “I am thrilled that she will bring her extensive knowledge of the Department and expertise in state personnel processes to the position.”
Bliss will supervise eight offices that comprise the Personnel Services Division, including Labor Relations, Training, and Facilities Management. Personnel Services oversees more than 2,400 CDE employees statewide.
A CDE veteran, Bliss brings nine years of experience as a Staff Services Manager III in the Personnel Services Division. She has been with CDE for nearly 25 years, working in the Special Education Division, the School Improvement Division, the Curriculum and Instructional Leadership Branch, and the Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Office.