Sanders to Nominate Florida Leader As Education Secretary

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Gov.-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Thursday announced her intention to nominate Jacob Oliva, an education leader for Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, as the secretary of the Department of Education.

In a news release, Sanders said she intends to work with the state Board of Education to appoint Oliva, now a senior chancellor at the Florida Department of Education, to a dual role as the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.

“Education is the foundation for success, and, with my nominee for Secretary of Education and Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jacob Oliva, we are ready to transform Arkansas education with bold reforms that will empower every kid to succeed,” Sanders said in a news release.

“Jacob’s proven success increasing student achievement and his experience serving in many educational roles will make him an asset to my administration. Through my Arkansas LEARNS plan, we will expand access to quality education for every kid growing up in our state, empower parents, not government bureaucrats, and prepare students for the workforce, not government dependency, so everyone has a shot at a better life right here in Arkansas.”

Sanders’ announcement cited Oliva’s work implementing “DeSantis’ parental rights policies and bold education reforms.” Florida came under a harsh spotlight this year after the passage of a new law forbidding lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, as well as material that is not deemed age-appropriate.

Critics, who call the rule the “Don’t Say Gay” law, have argued that it marginalizes LGBTQ people and said the legislation’s vague language could stifle classroom discussions. The law also establishes an enforcement mechanism that invites parents to file lawsuits against districts over material deemed inappropriate.

On Wednesday, Sanders announced Kristi Putnam as the state’s new Department of Human Services secretary. Last week, she announced former Entergy Arkansas CEO Hugh McDonald as Department of Commerce secretary.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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