New Ed. Commissioner is Named

The state Board of Education has voted to hire Ohio deputy superintendent Mitchell Chester as the next education commissioner.

Chester beats out Lowell superintendent Karla Brooks Baehr and Richard Laine, the education director of the New York-based Wallace Foundation.

The nine-member board voted unanimously for Chester after noting his depth of experience and stellar leadership abilities.

The board interviewed the three finalists two weeks ago, grilling them on issues including the MCAS tests, charter schools, and improving failing districts.

Former Commissioner David Driscoll retired in August after eight years on the job.