By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-969200.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Governor Rick Scott has filled at least one vacancy on the board that oversees the state's public schools and state colleges. Lynn Hatter reports a Jacksonville businessman will take the seat vacated by the boards former Chairman.
Gary Chartrand has been appointed to the State Board of Education. He's the executive chairman of Acosta Sales and Marketing, a firm that helps companies advertise their merchandise. Its clients include Heinz, Campbell's and Walmart.
Chartrand replaces the Board's former Chairman T. Willard Fair who resigned in protest over the resignation of outgoing state Education Commissioner Eric Smith.
The appointment comes as the Board continues its search for a new Commissioner of Education. The group wants to have a person in place by the start of August. Smith's last day on the job is June 10- after the last day of school. However, there have not been any applicants to the post so far.