Colorado Education Commissioner Rich Crandall announced his resignation on Thursday, just four-and-a-half months into the job.
The former Arizona Republican lawmaker who also served a brief stint as Wyoming’s top school officer said in a statement he was resigning for personal reasons.
“The realities of my large family being out of state, including school age children, as well as the demands of the position and the time required to fully serve a state as diverse and expansive as Colorado, lead me to this decision,” Crandall said in the statement. “I have enjoyed getting to know and work with so many supporters of public education, especially the staff at the Department of Education. I wish the state board and staff well as they work on implementation of ESSA and the many key policy issues facing the board.”
The State Board of Education will meet Friday to discuss appointing Crandall’s replacement. Crandall won unanimous support from the Republican-controlled board after being selected as sole finalist.
“On behalf of my state board colleagues, I want to thank Commissioner Crandall for his strong and effective advocacy for quality public education for all Colorado children,” state board Chairman Steve Durham said in a statement. “I appreciate the importance Mr. Crandall places on family and his recognition of his professional and personal limitations in this demanding position.”
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