An Unflinching Advocate for Children, Educator Dr. Rex Fortune’s Life is Memorialized on the Senate Floor

Senator Alvarado-Gil paid tribute yesterday on the Senate floor to the life of Dr. Rex Fortune, a husband, father, educator, author and advocate who passed away on January 29, 2023 at the age of 81. He devoted his life to lifting up the most vulnerable students and closing the academic achievement gap, in doing so he made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and faculty members during his extensive career.

Dr. Fortune worked as a teacher and administrator for many years, including as superintendent of the Inglewood Unified School District and the Center Unified School District and associate superintendent of Public Instruction for the California Department of Education under his mentor, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Wilson Riles. Fortune also co-founded the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA).

Fortune founded the Fortune School of Education where he served as chairman of the board. He had several public schools named for him in the Sacramento region including Rex and Margaret Fortune Early College High School and most recently, Rex Fortune Elementary School in the Center Unified School District, opening in 2023. Fortune was known for his unwavering commitment to his students and staff, and his passion for education inspired many.

Senator Alvarado-Gil stated “It is an honor to be able to recognize the life and contributions of such an exemplary and innovative educator as Dr. Fortune. As an educator myself, I feel a deep appreciation for his dedication to ensuring all students, regardless of race or income, have access to quality education.”

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Dr. Rex Fortune - California Black Media