Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Robert Scott announced his resignation today, effective July 2, 2012.

Scott was first appointed to his position by Governor Rick Perry in October 2007.  He was then reappointed for a full 4-year term by Governor Perry February 1, 2011.

According to the TEA, Scott was graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and a member of the State Bar. He provided strategic leadership to the Texas Education Agency for a number of  years, serving as the agency’s chief executive during a massive reorganization of its functions in the summer of 2003. In January 2004, Scott was appointed chief deputy commissioner, a position in which he has been responsible for the daily operations of the agency and the implementation and execution of key statewide initiatives.

Governor Rick Perry today issued the following statement regarding the resignation of  Commissioner Scott:

“Robert Scott has served this state and its school children tremendously during his tenure, always remaining committed to the principle that all children should graduate, and do so college and career ready. Robert has been an integral part of raising the bar for scholastic achievement in Texas, successfully implementing the state’s new accountability system and working with the State Board of Education to revamp Texas’ curriculum standards.

“His leadership was also fundamental in creating the Texas High School Project, a public-private partnership that created Texas’ first STEM academies and Early College High Schools. Robert’s experience and dedication have left a lasting imprint on our state’s education system and countless Texas children, ensuring a top-notch education for our students and their preparation for success in and out of school. I’m thankful for his service and wish him all the best in the future.”

Texas Association of Business President and CEO Bill Hammond also issued a statement concerning Scott's resignation, “I want to thank Robert Scott for his years of service in one of the toughest jobs in the state. While we didn’t always agree on policy, I believe Robert made a real effort to always put the needs of the school children of Texas first.”

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