BOSTON, MA (WBZ-AM) -- The State Board of Education has voted overwhelmingly to recommend Jeff Riley, the Lawrence schools receiver, to become the state's next Commissioner of Education.
Riley is well known to state officials, he has been a frequent presence at board meetings as he has worked to turn-around the once-failing Lawrence public schools as their receiver.
The board's major goal has been choosing a candidate who can close the achievement gap in schools across the state. Chairman Paul Sagan says tell WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones that Riley has demonstrated an ability to do that in Lawrence by raising test scores and graduation rates.
"I think what he has proven is that can work collaboratively with all the constituents who feel deeply involved, especially the adults who often fight against each other while the kids that pay the price," he said.
Secretary of Education James Peyser---one of eight who voted to recommend Riley, for the job--calls Riley an "innovative thinker."
Peyser and the board will formally approve the recommendation and negotiate a contract.
Once that's done, a state appointed board will replace Riley in Lawrence.
WBZ NewsRadio1030's Lana Jones reports.