By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-958736.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith is leaving the Department of Education. Lynn Hatter reports Smith informed the State Board of Education of his decision this past weekend, and issued a statement Monday.
In his statement, Smith says the time has come to let Governor Rick Scott pursue his goals for education in a new education leader. During his three years as Commissioner, Smith pushed for and oversaw new legislation raising high school graduation requirements. He was an advocate for the adoption of a national education curriculum and helped Florida secure 700-million dollars in federal grant money.
Smith was a vocal advocate for last year's failed teacher merit pay bill, and supported the proposal even as the state's teacher's union and other education groups fought against it. This year he saw a new version of the bill, Senate Bill 736, pass.
Smith's last day at the post will be June 10, the last day of the school year.