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David Hespe
David Hespe is a former New Jersey Commissioner of Education. He served in this position from March 20, 2014, to September 31, 2016. He was appointed by Gov. Chris Christie (R) in February 2014.[1] He previously served as Commissioner from 1999 to 2001.[2]
On September 2, 2016, Hespe announced he would resign at the end of the month to pursue other career opportunities. Gov. Christie announced that Assistant Commissioner Kimberley Harrington would take over as acting commissioner until Hespe's successor was chosen.[3]
Biography
After earning his law degree, Hespe worked as a law clerk for the Mercer County Superior Court. He then went on to work in then-Governor Whitman's office as an assistant counsel and assistant attorney general. Whitman then appointed Hespe Education Commissioner in 1999. After stepping down in 2001, Hespe served in a variety of other positions until being appointed Education Commissioner a second time in 2014.[2]
Education
- B.A., Rutgers University
- J.D., University of Rutgers-Newark[2]
Political career
New Jersey Commissioner of Education (2014-present)
Hespe has served as New Jersey Commissioner of Education since March 20, 2014. He was confirmed by the New Jersey Senate on December 18, 2014.[2] On September 2, 2016, Hespe announced he would resign at the end of the month. Gov. Christie announced that Assistant Commissioner Kimberley Harrington would take over as acting commissioner until Hespe's successor is chosen.[3]
After Hespe announced his intention to resign, Gov. Christie praised Hespe for his work as commissioner:
| “ | Under his leadership, the Department has implemented multiple initiatives that have expanded the educational opportunities for children in struggling urban districts, improved the professional supports available for educators, delivered relief from burdensome regulations weighing on districts, and has successfully entrenched New Jersey as a national leader in the use of technology in the classroom. Unquestionably, New Jersey’s students are more college and career ready and in better position to succeed thanks to the tireless efforts of Education Commissioner David Hespe.[4][5] | ” |
About the office
The New Jersey Commissioner of Education is the chief executive school officer of New Jersey and oversees all public schools. Additionally, the commissioner serves as secretary to the state Board of Education, develops code proposals, apportions state aid to local districts, and conducts statewide tests.[6]
Chief of Staff (2010-2014)
Hespe served as a chief of staff in the first administration of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.[2]
New Jersey Commissioner of Education (1999-2001)
Hespe served his first term as commissioner of education from 1999-2001 under Governor Christie Whitman (R).[7]
First Assistant Attorney General
Prior to this appointment, Hespe served as Assistant Counsel in Governor Whitman's Office and, before that, he started his political career as Associate Counsel at the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services.[2]
Appointments
2014
Hespe was appointed as New Jersey Commissioner of Education by Governor Chris Christie (R) on February 27, 2014.[7]
1999
Hespe was appointed as New Jersey Commissioner of Education by Governor Christine Whitman in 1999.[7]
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms David Hespe New Jersey Education. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
| New Jersey | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Office of the Governor, "Governor Christie Names David Hespe To Lead New Jersey Department Of Education," February 27, 2014
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 New Jersey Department of Education, "David C. Hespe," accessed May 22, 2014
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 NJ.com, Claude Brodesser-Akner, "N.J. education commissioner Hespe calls it quits," accessed September 5, 2016
- ↑ Observer Politicker NJ, Max Pizarro, "Hespe Out, Harrington in as NJ Education Commissioner, Announces Christie," accessed September 5, 2016
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ New Jersey Department of Education, "Office of the Commissioner," accessed February 2, 2021
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 NJ Spotlight, "FORMER NJ EDUCATION COMMISSIONER EXPECTED TO RETURN TO OLD POST," accessed Sept. 3, 2015
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Christopher Cerf |
New Jersey Commissioner of Education 2014–present |
Succeeded by Kimberley Harrington |
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