The state board of education has made its choice for education commissioner, but, by law, they can’t actually offer him the job yet.
So instead, the board announced Monday that they had narrowed to field to a final finalist: Robert Hammond, the man who has filled in as commissioner since December.
In a special meeting conducted by conference call, the board unanimously chose Hammond to fill the vacancy left when Dwight Jones went to head Las Vegas schools.
On April 21, the board announced its selection of two finalists: Hammond and Aurora Public Schools Superintendent John Barry. State law requires that at least 14 days pass between the naming of finalists and making the official appointment.
The board can make that appointment at its next regular meetings, scheduled for May 11 and 12.
Hammond’s education career includes a number of administrative positions in school districts in Wichita, Kan., and Boulder.
Before he entered the field of education, Hammond worked in banking and also has served as assistant city manger in communities in Kansas, Iowa and Oklahoma.
Jones, Colorado’s last education commissioner, was paid $223,680. State Board of Education chairman Bob Schaffer has said the board hasn’t determined a salary for the Jones’ successor, saying it will depend on that person’s experience and background.
