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College Board Exec Tapped For Education Chief

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By Adam Emerson

Published: October 8, 2007

TAMPA - Florida's Board of Education today chose a senior executive with The College Board to shepherd the state's education policy after years of controversy under former Gov. Jeb Bush.

Eric J. Smith emerged as the sole candidate for education commissioner among three finalists interviewed in Tampa. Smith is the first permanent replacement for the job since John Winn left the post soon after Gov. Charlie Crist took office.

Smith was a favorite among board members when they pared the list of finalists to him, Florida K-12 Education Chancellor Cheri Pierson Yecke and New York educator Joseph Marinelli.

Prior to his tenure at The College Board, Smith led the Anne Arundel school district in Maryland, where he resigned in the wake of teacher union distrust and an unflattering audit. He also served as superintendent of school districts in Newport News, Va., and Charlotte, N.C.

As education commissioner, Smith will lead the state's Education Department and oversee policy for Florida's public schools and community colleges.

Jeanine Blomberg has been Florida's acting education commissioner since John Winn retired from the post in February. Winn had been a polarizing figure in carrying out former Gov. Jeb Bush's education policies, and Tallahassee watchers anticipated Crist wanted a new direction. Crist's office denied forcing Winn out.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285 or aemerson@tampatrib.com.

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