Outgoing state schools superintendent Tony Bennett seeking Fla. position

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Indiana's outgoing state schools superintendent says he's applying to become the new Florida state education commissioner.

Tony Bennett is a Republican who lost his re-election bid after a four-year term in which he pushed for Indiana's private school voucher program and oversaw the first state takeover of troubled public schools. About 50 people have applied for the Florida position, which is appointed by the state's Board of Education.

Bennett tells The Indianapolis Star that he looks forward to the interview process for the Florida position.

Democrat Glenda Ritz will take over the Indiana Department of Education in early January. The suburban Indianapolis school librarian won election with the support of teachers who said they felt Bennett made them a scapegoat for school troubles.
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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com