States

Gov. Christie Taps David Hespe as New Jersey Education Commissioner

By Michele McNeil — February 27, 2014 1 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

Embattled New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie picked a veteran from the state education department to become the state’s next education commissioner.

David Hespe, who will have to be confirmed by the state’s senate, served as chief of staff to then-commissioner Chris Cerf during Gov. Christie’s first term.

For Hespe, this marks a return to a job he once had. He was education commissioner during Gov. Christine Todd Whitman’s administration, and most recently was president of Burlington County College.

The New Jersey Spotlight outlines the challenges ahead for Hespe: common-core implementation, new teacher evaluations tied to test scores, and a fight over control of Newark’s schools.

And one other question looms: Will he join the ranks of the Chiefs for Change, as his old boss did?

In the governor’s press release, Hespe said: “Through Governor Christie’s aggressive reform agenda, New Jersey has made significant strides in ensuring that our children have access to the quality education that they deserve,” said David Hespe. “The progress and results we’ve seen in education over the past years is proof that bold and innovative ideas benefit our students, teachers and families across all levels of education.”

Related Tags:

A version of this news article first appeared in the State EdWatch blog.