Rod Paige

Paige served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957. As superintendent Paige created the Peer Examination Evaluation and Redesign (PEER) program which solicits recommendations from business and community professionals for strengthening school support services and programs. White House domestic policy adviser Margaret Spellings was nominated as his successor.

Paige who grew up in Mississippi moved from classroom teacher to college dean and school superintendent to be the first African American to serve as the nation's education chief. Senate confirmed her on January 20 2005 after Bush's inauguration for a second term. S.