Virginia Education Secretary Tapped to Head Florida Education Department

Virginia Education Secretary Gerard Robinson has been selected as the new education commissioner for the Florida Department of Education, a DOE spokesperson confirmed Tuesday.

Robinson, one of five finalists, was unanimously chosen by the DOE board members. He has served as head of education in Virginia since last year, after being tapped by Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell.

He succeeds Eric Smith, who resigned as commissioner earlier this month under pressure from Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Former commissioner John Winn served as interim commissioner for the past two weeks.

Smith earned a salary of $275,000 per year, but the details of Robinson's compensation were not discussed at the board meeting when he was selected, a spokesperson said.