Surprise. State Education Director Ken James, 58, has announced his resignation June 30 after a bit more than five years on the job. Future plans uncertain.

James departure was his own decision and not a reflection of any desire for change from the governor, all said. Someone close to James says that the news was a surprise to the governor and strictly a personal decision. He is considering multiple job offers, but wasn’t specific about them at a noon press conference.

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School leaders — whether of states or local school districts — have famously short tenures. The pressures never end. James said he’d have more to say about future work after a vacation.

An example of the pressures: He predicted continued pushes to alter the 350-student minimum on school district size. It was easy to infer from his remarks that he thought the number was too small as it is. He recalled that Gov. Huckabee had wanted to impose a 1,500-student minimum and a compromise produced the 350 minimum.

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UPDATE: on jump.

 

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