By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-974490.mp3
Tampa, FL – The Florida Board of Education has named Gerard Robinson to head the state department of education. Robinson is coming from Virginia, where he serves as that state's secretary of education. Lynn Hatter reports his appointment marks the end of a months-long national search.
Before becoming Virginia's Secretary of education, Robinson was president of the Black Alliance for Educational Options, a pro-school choice group. He's also worked with lawmakers in California, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C. The Secretary of Education in Virginia has fewer responsibilities than the Education Commissioner position in Florida does, but Robinson says he's up for the task.
"I think one advantage I have is the fact I've worked in Wisconsin, California and Virginia. In fact when I arrived in Virginia, I'm the only cabinet member who's not from Virginia, and it won't be the first or second time that I've arrived in the state as a new person. I went on a six month, look, listen and learn tour. Florida's got some great things going on. Because I've worked in different places, I may have a different view or opinion, in no way does it mean I want to upset the aspect."
Robinson calls education his calling. He worked at a grocery store while attending community college. Later on he earned his bachelor's degree from Howard University and a master's from Harvard. And he's a big supporter of charter schools and vouchers-- which allow students in failing public schools to go to private ones using state money.
"They say I'm a listener, I try to bridge the gap. I don't pretend that school choice is a silver bullet, nor do I believe that the money-only agenda will get us where we need to go. Because I've often been the minority in thought about what school reform looks like since 1991, I've been able to move forward and have some success."
That impressed board member John Padget, who called for Robinson's nomination.
"What I found in Mr. Robinson with his personal life story and the fact that he attended a community college, got an associate degree, then he went to a university then grad school, I find in this man the ability to relate and connect the dots."
The search process for a new education chief has been highly political, starting with the exit of former Commissioner Eric Smith, who resigned under pressure from Governor Rick Scott. But he's supportive of Robinson. Soon after the board made its decision the Governor's office sent out a written statement, commending Robinson's selection. Board Vice-Chair Roberto Martinez says former governors have played large roles in selecting education commissioners and the case is the same now.
"Governor Scott had also spoken with Mr. Robinson and he also spoke with me in a very respectful manner, not telling me what to do, but giving me his thoughts. And I think that's a very good thing, a very healthy thing to have the governor involved in the process."
In Virginia, Robinson led efforts to expand charter schools, improve virtual programs and implement a teacher merit pay program. Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell also commended his selection to the post of state education commissioner.