Raimondo nominates new education commisioner

By Matt Blancette @mattblanchette

mblanchette@abc6.com 

Governor Gina Raimondo announced Wednesday her choice for the Commissioner of the Department of Education.

She nominated Dr. Ken Wagner, who is stepping down as the senior deputy commissioner for education policy for the New York State Department of Education. "When people ask what do you like about Ken I say he is a work horse not a show horse," Governor Gina Raimondo said. "He is here to work and put his head down and collaborate and get things done and move this education forward and put kids first."

Over 25 years Wagner served in a variety of capacities from middle school principal to school psychologist to commissioner of curriculum for the State of New York.

In fact he was first elected to his local school board when he was 18 years old and still in high school.

On, Wednesday, Wagner stressed building partnerships in education and recognizing the different needs children face in Rhode Island schools. "It's always important to have high expectations for students so they are ready for what's next," Wagner said. "Whether it's for 4th grade, 8th grade, college or the work force. I look forward to working with all of the partners in rhode island to make sure those expectations are put in place for children and that children achieve at those levels."

Wagner shyed away from talking in depth about contoversial topics in Rhode Island education like common core and charter schools. But he had this to say in april after a large amount of parents opted out of testing in new york.

"Tests are a required part of the instructional program just like math or science is a required part, so I think we all have to be careful about the messages we're sending to our students if we somehow send the message that it's okay to not participate in things that are important."

Wagner says he's happy with the money set aside for education in the recently passed state budget.

"Many other states are cutting back on education, putting at risk the programs that help students. rhode island is one of the few states in the country that is boosting educational funding," he said.

Wagner will now have to be approved by the Council for Secondary Education and the Board of Education.

Those votes will happen on Monday, but Wagner was endorsed by the chairs of both boards Wednesday.

(C) WLNE/TV 2015