LINCOLN- This afternoon, Nebraska Commissioner of Education Matt Blomstedt announced his intention to retire on Jan. 3rd after nine years leading the Department of Education.

Blomstedt, who is now 50, will take a job at a consulting firm next year. "I'm excited for the opportunity," said Blomstedt, "and a little sad to be leaving what I'm doing, too."

Blomstedt has led the Department through unprecedented times, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and compromising with concerned parents over what's taught in school. "I can't deny it's been rough the last couple of years," he said.

Blomstedt, in a letter to the Board of Education, wrote that he will continue to work fervently in his last few months, and that he is very proud of his service to the state of Nebraska.

State Board President Patricia Koch-Johns praised Blomstedt's work, saying, "Commissioner Blomstedt has been a champion for all students and families, and a great leader of the Department of Education. During his tenure, our state has become a national leader in education..."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Blomstedt worked diligently with Gov. Ricketts to brief the public on the state's response to the virus.

One of Blomstedt's greatest personal accomplishments is the creation of a school-accountability system as the country transitioned from the federal 'No Child Left Behind' law to the 'Every Student Succeeds Act.'

For the full article click HERE