Not only is there a new ranking Republican on the House education committee, Republicans now are getting a new staff director for the panel, Barrett Karr, who brings experience both in Congress and in the George W. Bush White House. Rep. John Kline, of Minnesota, the top Republican on the committee, made the announcement today. (See Alyson’s recent post on her interview with Rep. Kline here.)

A press release from the committee tells us that Karr brings “a wealth of knowledge on education, health care, and labor issues gained during a 13-year career that spanned both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.”

She will replace Sally Stroup, who is expected to step down at the end of this month.

For eight years, Karr worked for Rep. Kay Granger, a Texas Republican, the final four as chief of staff. Following that, Karr spent four years in legislative affairs at the White House, finishing as a deputy assistant to the president.