CaliforniasCapitol.com is reporting that Secretary of Education Glen Thomas is resigning so he can take care of his aged mother.

In explaining his departure, Thomas said:

“My 96-year-old mother is not well. Twenty-four years ago I cared for my father and I told my mother that when the time came I would do the same for her. It’s been the highest honor to serve in the administration but family is always first priority.”

With my own 79-year-old father's recent health problems, I can relate and appreciate Glen's decision. It is a lot better reason that some of the previous education secretaries. Here's a quick recap of the ones I can remember from the current administration:

• Richard Riordan (2003-2005) left because he lost interest.
• Alan Bersin (2005-2006) left to go serve on the San Diego Airport board.
• David Long (2007-2009) left to pursue an unnamed opportunity which turned out to be with the California School Board Association (CSBA).
• Glen Thomas (2009-2010) left to take care of his aged mother.

With the Governor a lame duck at this point, he is going to have a hard time finding anyone who will take the job. I'm thinking that he's going to need to post it on Craigslist at this point.