John O'Connor / StateImpact Florida
New Education Commissioner Pam Stewart.
Pam Stewart twice stepped in to replace departing Florida education commissioners. Today she got the job long-term.
The State Board of Education unanimously chose Stewart to be the state鈥檚 education commissioner. She follows .
Board member John Colon said he wanted the continuity Stewart brings to the job. Florida has had five education commissioners hold the high-profile and high-pressure post since March of 2011. Board members praised Stewart鈥檚 experience.
Stewart steps in at a challenging time. Florida is trying to implement new math and English standards, , as opposition to the standards is on the rise. The state must also choose a new standardized test tied to Common Core to (mostly) replace the FCAT.
Board members want to and state law requires school districts to derived, in part, from student test scores.
It鈥檚 a situation board member Kathleen Shanahan called 鈥渃risis time鈥� during today鈥檚 board meeting.
Stewart has served as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor and elementary and high school principal during her three-decade career.
Florida鈥檚 education commissioner must deal with the governor-appointed board, the governor, education business interests and lawmakers and other politicians 鈥� 鈥� who want some say in Florida education decisions.
Shanahan asked if Stewart 鈥渦nderstands, with full clarity, who she reports to?鈥�
鈥淲e all know that we serve many masters,鈥� Stewart said, 鈥渂ut ultimately this board is the boss of the commissioner of education and I鈥檓 fully aware of that and understand that.鈥�
Board member Sally Bradshaw offered a challenge and a warning to Stewart.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 clear from today鈥檚 meeting that we need someone to lead,鈥� she said. 鈥淟eading can be wildly unpopular.鈥�
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