State Education Commissioner Won't Serve 2nd Term

The commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Education said he won't serve a second term should Gov. Dannel P. Malloy win re-election.

Stefan Pryor has overseen the Democratic governor's education reform initiative and has become a source of controversy.

According to a statement the governor’s office released on Monday, Pryor is "actively seeking new professional opportunities."

He called it a "true honor" to serve Malloy, the State Board of Education and the people of Connecticut. He said a lot has been accomplished over the past nearly three years, acknowledging "the work has not always been easy."

Pryor came under fire from teachers and parents for the state's efforts to impose Common Core, new education standards and guidelines, among other changes.

“While we did not disagree with the commissioner on the goal of maintaining and improving public education for all students in Connecticut, we did disagree at times on how to reach that goal,” Sheila Cohen, president of Connecticut Education Association, said in a statement, and wished Pryor well in his future endeavors.

Kyle Rosenkrans, interim president of Northeast Charter Schools Network, and Connecticut director Jeremiah Grace released a statement on Monday.

"Commissioner Pryor's departure will be a loss for Connecticut and its school children. During his tenure, Connecticut became a beacon for public education reform by expanding access to more high quality public charter schools, increasing funding for turning around perennially failing schools and districts, all while creating a climate of greater accountability for student learning. Connecticut's children have been the most direct beneficiaries of this work,” the statement says.

Malloy's office said there is no set timeline for Pryor's departure.

"CEA looks forward to the selection of a Connecticut public schools’ state steward who exemplifies a realistic and pragmatic—as well as visionary—voice for teachers, parents, and students. Connecticut's teachers, with their unparalleled classroom perspective and their irreplaceable voice in public education policymaking, must be major players in every aspect of the determination of the future of public education," Cohen said in a statement.