John Winn, who previously served as Florida Education Commissioner, was once again tapped to head up the state's education system Wednesday, this time on an interim basis.
The state Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Winn, who served as commissioner from 2004 to 2007. Winn also served as an education adviser to former Gov. Jeb Bush prior to his initial term as education commissioner. He has resigned his position as chief program officer for the National Math and Science Initiative, and will begin work Monday.
Winn takes over from current commissioner Eric Smith, whose last day is Friday. Smith announced his resignation earlier this year, explaining that incoming Gov. Rick Scott should be able to pick his own preferred commissioner.
"I think John's a great choice," Smith said. "I think he's a very, very smart choice by the board."
The decision comes after the Department of Education received 26 applications for the position over the course of more than two months, many of which lacked the proper qualifications or experience.
Notable candidates include Virginia Secretary of Education Gerard Robinson and Stacia Smith, superintendent of the Clark County Educational Service Center in Ohio. Former Collier County School District Superintendent Dennis Thompson is also in the running and leads the list of possible in-state picks for commissioner.
Board members stated they would meet later this month to interview selected candidates, possibly making a decision on a permanent replacement.
They also lauded the work of Smith, who they said helped move Florida from the middle of the pack among the states in education to fifth nationally in student test scores. He took over from Winn in October 2007.
"I know that we will stay in touch with you and I know you will continue to be a leader in education reform across the country," Board of Education chair Kathleen Shanahan told Smith.
Lawmakers also showed their appreciation of Smith's tenure, with the state Senate giving him a lengthy standing ovation during the last week of the legislative session.
Scott was on an economic development mission to Canada this week, but has repeatedly named an improved Florida education system as one of the key factors to strengthening the state's work force. The new commissioner is likely to share that view.
"Governor Scott is confident we will find an excellent candidate to serve as Floridas next education commissioner, and were looking at all of the applicants. We are looking for someone who shares his same vision, to give Floridas students a world-class education. We are going to make Florida the model for the nation in terms of both education and a highly-skilled work force," said Lane Wright, press secretary for the governor.
Reach Gray Rohrer at grohrer@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
