Former Top California Educator Dies

Sacramento, CA –  State education officials are remembering who many consider as the architect of the 1988 voter-approved Proposition 98, which sets guaranteed minimum funding levels for education in California.

John Mockler, 73, who died Tuesday in Sacramento of pancreatic cancer, had a lengthy career and held a number of top spots in California education system, among them; California Secretary of Education under Governor Gray Davis, and Executive Director of the California State Board of Education.  In addition, he founded Mockler and Associates, an educational consulting firm in Sacramento.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson issued this statement regarding Mockler’s death:  “We in the education community are mourning today the passing of John Mockler, who was a recognized expert—a giant— in California education for more than 40 years. Throughout his career, John applied his enormous talents toward the cause of investing in our schools and our students. We will miss him, his wealth of experience, and invaluable contributions.”