RIORDAN QUITS EDUCATION POST EX-MAYOR SAYS HE'D RATHER BE VOLUNTEER.

Byline: Harrison Sheppard and Rick Orlov Sacramento Bureau

Education Secretary Richard Riordan announced his resignation Wednesday, saying he wants to return to Los Angeles and work on education issues outside the state bureaucracy.

The former two-term Los Angeles mayor is expected to stay in the post through June to give Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger time to appoint a successor.

``I wanted to leave earlier, but the governor asked me to stay,'' Riordan said in a telephone interview.

``I came to the point where I wanted to work more through my foundation to try to get things done. I have been working on a computer program to put in schools to teach young people math. If I worked through the bureaucracy, it would take five to seven years. I think we can do it much more quickly if I work through my foundation.''

The Riordan Foundation has provided computers and various programs for schools across the country.

Schwarzenegger, a friend and political ally, made Riordan one of his first major appointments when he took office in November 2003 after the recall of former Gov. Gray Davis.

``With deep regret I have accepted Richard Riordan's resignation as my secretary of education,'' Schwarzenegger said in a written statement. ``I am profoundly grateful for his service to California and for leading my administration's efforts to strengthen our commitment to our public schools and the children they serve.''

As secretary of education, Riordan maintained a relatively low public profile. Schwarzenegger generally handled public appearances to promote his education agenda, while the governor's staff handled the behind-the-scenes negotiations with legislators.

However, Riordan did garner public attention for making a verbal gaffe last summer - something he was famous for doing as mayor - when he told a 6-year-old girl during a classroom visit that her name meant ``stupid, dirty girl.''

Riordan faced harsh criticism and calls for his resignation after the incident, but Schwarzenegger stood by him as Riordan apologized for the remark, saying he meant to tease her in a benign way.

His critics say Riordan made few contributions - positive or negative - to state education policy.

The California Teachers Association has long advocated abolishing the position, created by former Gov. Pete Wilson. CTA president Barbara Kerr argues that an education secretary is unnecessary when the state has an elected superintendent to manage the Department of Education.

``I think Richard Riordan proved the point that this is a needless bureaucracy,'' Kerr said.

``Other than the 'open mouth, insert foot' kinds of things, I can't think of anything that he did, plus or minus, that had a statewide impact on legislation or anything else.''

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell praised Riordan's public service.

``I have always admired and appreciated Dick's dedication to public service,'' O'Connell said. ``He has devoted his life to improving education and making life better for children in Los Angeles and around the state.''

Riordan, 74, served as Los Angeles mayor from 1991 to 1999 and ran for governor in 2002, losing in the GOP primary to Bill Simon. He considered running again during the 2003 recall, but backed off when his friend Schwarzenegger announced his candidacy.

Riordan is recovering from a bicycle accident earlier this month. He broke his collarbone when he fell as he swerved to avoid some pedestrians on Pacific Coast Highway.

Harrison Sheppard, [phone]

harrison.sheppard(at)dailynews.com

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