Education commissioner resigns

Vacancy clears the way for DeSantis to tap Corcoran

Education Commissioner Pam Stewart resigned Tuesday, clearing a path for Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis to move former House Speaker Richard Corcoran into the job.

In her resignation letter, Stewart said the move made sense “in light of recent election results and announcements.”

Stewart had intended to retire in January, when Gov. Rick Scott left office, but in October the State Board of Education asked her to stay on for another year, and she agreed.

In recent days, politicians close to DeSantis said the Republican wanted Corcoran at the helm of Florida’s public education system, a prospect that already has drawn the ire of the state’s teachers union and some Democrats.

In her letter to Marva Johnson, chairman of the state board, Stewart said she was leaving with “bittersweet feelings” but proud of the many achievements Florida has made academically. She has been commissioner since 2013 and leaves after a 39-year career in public education.

“There has never been a better time to be a student in Florida, which makes it a good time to hand over the reins so that someone can take our students to the next level of opportunity and success,” she wrote.

The board, which by law hires the education commissioner, has a telephone meeting scheduled for Dec. 17.

“Commissioner Pam Stewart has dedicated her life to serving the people of Florida and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential,’’ said Johnson in a statement. “Throughout her career, she has been a fearless champion for Florida’s students, and Florida is a national education leader due in large part to her service.”

Johnson added, “Governorelect DeSantis has made it clear he prioritizes high-quality education for every student, and I look forward to working alongside him and our next education commissioner to make sure Florida remains the best place to live, work and receive an education.”

On Monday, former Senate President Don Gaetz told the Orlando Sentinel that DeSantis would likely want Corcoran as the state’s next education chief.

As speaker, Corcoran pushed through passage of a new scholarship, or voucher, program — Florida’s fourth — that will pay for students to attend private school. Some detractors say that program, as well as Corcoran’s support for other school choice programs, comes at the expense of traditional public schools.

“One of the advantages of Richard Corcoran being education commissioner is that he will be able to drive even further the proparent, pro-choice, pro-student agenda that he initiated and cham-