Bennett eyes Fla. education position

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indiana’s outgoing state schools chief is eyeing a similar position in Florida.

Tony Bennett was ousted by voters in the November election after overseeing sweeping changes to the state’s education system, including one of the largest school voucher systems in the country.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to submit an application for Florida's commissioner of education position,” Bennett said in a statement Monday. “The Sunshine State's consistent commitment to providing all students a top-notch education is impressive and inspiring. I look forward to participating in the next stages of this process."
 

Bennett, a Republican, was beaten by Democrat Glenda Ritz, a teacher who vowed to roll back many reforms put in place during Bennett’s tenure. It’s unclear, however, how much impact Ritz can have on state education policy with the Republicans maintaining a supermajority in the House of Representatives and holding the Senate as well.