Florida Hires New Education Commissioner
WEST PALM BEACH (CBSMiami/AP) – Pam Stewart, the interim education commissioner chosen after Tony Bennett's abrupt resignation in August, has been officially hired as Bennett's successor.
Instead of launching a national search, Stewart, 60, was hired as the new education commissioner Tuesday by the Florida State Board of Education.
Stewart, before replacing Bennett, served as the chancellor of public schools.
Florida's education system has had a tumultuous summer dealing with both the resignation of Bennett and continued controversy over its A-to-F grading system and the transition to new standards.
But board members said they decided to hire Stewart because she knows Florida's system and is a supporter of Common Core State Standards.
Stewart becomes the fourth commissioner to serve under Scott since he took office in 2011.
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