Virginia Secretary of Education Gerard Robinson is among the applicants for Florida education commissioner.
Robinson is among eight new applicants – 25 total – to be considered by the Florida Board of Education.
Robinson has been an enthusiastic advocate for Gov. Bob McDonnell’s education initiatives, including expanded access to public charter schools, virtual schools and college laboratory schools. McDonnell appointed him in January 2010.
“Florida officials approached Secretary Robinson regarding this position,” McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin said. “Given the secretary’s success here in Virginia, and his national reputation as a leader in education reform efforts, their interest in speaking to him about the opening is understandable.”
The previous Florida education commissioner, Eric Smith, resigned under pressure from Florida Gov. Rick Scott.
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