By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-972655.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – The state board of education has released a list of 26 applicants for Florida education commissioner. Among them are several sitting and former commissioners from across the nation and as well as superintendents and other officials. But as Lynn Hatter reports there are already some standout names.
Gerard Robinson, Virginia's secretary of education and a big supporter of school choice programs has apparently had a change of heart after saying he wouldn't be applying for the position. There's also Bret Schundler, the former New Jersey education commissioner who was fired by Governor Chris Christie over that state's failed bid for the federal education "Race to the Top Grant." During a conference call Wednesday board chairwoman Kathleen Shanahan says the list will be narrowed down and interviews will begin on the 20th.
"We would interview somewhere between four and six, and if there are more than that everyone feels strongly about, I'll let the search firm come back to us with the packet of the final selected interviewees."
Also on the list is Duval school board chairman W.C Gentry who has also served on several state education task forces, and former Collier County Superintendent Dennis Thompson who was fired from that job. They're among 26 applicants to replace outgoing Commissioner Eric Smith, whose last day on the job is Friday.