Pam Stewart Names Hershel Lyons K-12 Chancellor

Longtime Alachua County educator Hershel Lyons was named as K-12 public schools chancellor by Education Commissioner Pam Stewart on Monday.

Hershel has dedicated his life to educating our students and I am confident he will do an outstanding job as chancellor, Gov. Rick Scott said on Monday. Providing Florida students with a world-class education is vital to our goal of making Florida the No. 1 state for job creation, and Im certain that Hershel will help us on that mission. I look forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Stewart and Hershel as we work to provide historic investments in our K-12 education system and make Florida the best state in the nation to raise a family and get a great education.

Floridas K-12 students and teachers rank among the best in the nation for achievement, Stewart said before turning to Scotts record. Under Gov. Scott's leadership, we have implemented student-centered policies and made significant investments in education, which has enabled Florida students to thrive. We must build on this success, and the K-12 public schools chancellor is integral to continued student achievement. With nearly three decades of in-school experience and a track record of applying innovative approaches to improve outcomes, Hershel is ideal to lead Floridas public schools.

"I have been honored to work with Florida students throughout my career because I believe that, with the right guidance, every child has boundless potential, Lyons said. I am humbled by Commissioner Stewart's appointment, and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Florida in this new role."