A new year means new leadership at the state Department of Education.

With Stefan Pryor on his way to Rhode Island, the State Board of Education is expected to name veteran educator Dr. Dianna Roberger-Wentzell interim Education Commissioner at Wednesday morning’s state board meeting.

Roberger-Wentzell is not new to the Connecticut education scene.

A 25-year veteran educator and former assistant superintendent of Hartford public schools, Roberger-Wentzell spent the past two years as the state Department of Education’s Chief Academic Officer, where, according to the Connecticut Post, her chief responsibility was overseeing the rollout of the Common Core State Standards and associated assessments.

Bridgeport Superintendent Fran Rabinowitz told the Connecticut Post that she had many conversations with Roberger-Wentzell concerning the Common Core. The Superintendent described her as a “good listener.”

A member of the state’s Common Core Task Force, Roberger-Wentzell was instrumental in reevaluating implementation of the state standards and also helped develop the state’s new Social Studies standards.

“It is an honor to be asked to serve in this capacity to help ensure a smooth transition throughout the permanent commissioner selection process,” said Roberge-Wentzell in a prepared statement.

“During this time, I look forward to continued collaboration with teachers, parents, administrators, communities, and local boards of education as we collectively work to close achievement gaps and improve outcomes for all our students.”

The state board of education is set to publicly vote on Roberge-Wentzell appointment Wednesday at 9:30, at the State Legislative building, where they are also set to pick a search committee for a permanent Commissioner of Education.

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