State board OKs new commissioner
LITTLE ROCK—The State Board of Education approved Tony Wood as the Arkansas Department of Education commissioner at its meeting Thursday. Gov. Mike Beebe previously recommended Wood for the position.
Wood, currently the deputy commissioner, will replace Dr. Tom Kimbrell, who has accepted the superintendent position at Bryant School District.
“While transition is never simple, I cannot imagine being more confident in the leadership of the department and the future of education in Arkansas,” Board Chairwoman Brenda Gullett said. “Tony Wood is an exceptional leader and will be an exceptional commissioner.”
Wood will assume his new role July 1. As commissioner, Wood will oversee the agency as it continues with the implementation of state educational standards, teacher/administrator evaluation systems and student assessment.
“I am very honored to be chosen by Gov. Mike Beebe and the State Board of Education to serve as Arkansas’ next commissioner of education,” Wood said. “Preparing Arkansas students for college and careers will continue to be the highest priority for the agency.”
Wood began his career in education as a chemistry and biology teacher at Beedeville School District. He later taught math and chemistry at Judsonia before becoming principal and later superintendent at Kensett School District. Wood served as deputy superintendent for Little Rock School District before his role in Searcy, a position he held for 18 years before being named deputy commissioner.
Wood has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education from Harding University, Searcy, and an administrator certification from University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
He is a member of the Arkansas Rural Education Association and Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators.