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Courtesy photo / Florida Education Commissioner, who has ties to education in Volusia, said Monday he is stepping down from his post in June.TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith, who has ties to Volusia County, announced earlier today he is resigning his post, effective June 10.
Smith's ties to the Volusia County School District, started in 1986, when he was named area superintendent of Southeast Volusia schools until 1988, and for the next two years, served as chief management and planning officer of the school district from 1988 to 1990. He helped develop was instrumental the International Baccalaureate programs at DeLand and Spruce Creek high schools.
Smith, who is paid $275,000, said he was stepping down on his own terms and that this would allow the new governor time to "have input through the state board of education on the type of leader to pursue his goals."
Gov. Rick Scott today released the following statement regarding Smith's resignation: "On Friday, Commissioner Eric Smith informed my administration of his plan leave the Department of Education. This morning he shared this news with his staff at the Department. On behalf of the state of Florida, I thank him for his years of dedicated service."
The education commissioner heads the Department of Education, which oversees the state's public schools, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, and community colleges. Smith's June 10 resignation is timed to the last day of the school year.