Governor Chris Sununu has nominated former Union Leader editorial page editor Drew Cline to the State Board of Education, reported the Union Leader. Cline will replace longtime member and current chairman Tom Raffio, who has served on the board for 10 years.
From the Union Leader:
“Drew Cline has a great grasp on such a large variety of subjects in this state and he’s passionate about education. I see him as a great resource,” the governor said. “We’ve tapped him to bring some outside perspective to the Board of Education and I think he’s going to do a great job.”
Sununu’s office confirmed earlier in the day on Tuesday that Raffio, who served as chair for the past four years, will not be re-nominated.
“Earlier today, I spoke with Tom Raffio to thank him for his service and expressed my appreciation for his years on the Board of Education,” Sununu said. “As with any aspect of state government, it’s a good thing to bring a fresh perspective and give others the opportunity to offer their time and talents to our great state.”
…“I told him I think it’s a mistake, because I can add a lot,” Raffio said. “There are already two new board members and my replacement will be a third, along with a new commissioner, but I respect the fact that it’s his decision.”
…
“New Hampshire’s public education system belongs to the people, and I am humbled to have been nominated to serve them on the state Board of Education,” Cline said.
House Democratic leader Steve Shurtleff said he was disappointed by Sununu’s decision not to nominate Raffio, president and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental. Raffio was named Business Leader of the Decade by Business NH Magazine and the NH Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
“Tom has always worked in a bipartisan manner to improve the educational opportunities available to New Hampshire children,” he said.
Read the full article here.
