The state’s Education Commissioner has proposed consolidating divisions within the department to create a more streamlined operation and to provide enhanced services.

In January, the Legislature approved a joint resolution (SJR1) that directed the education department to hire an independent entity to conduct an evaluation, which resulted in the restructuring. Commissioner Lucille E. Davy released a preliminary plan during the state Board of Education’s March 7 meeting.

The most notable change in the organizational chart appears to be the elimination of the Abbott Implementation unit, which will become part of the new Division of District and School Improvement. Davy said the new division will continue to monitor education programs required by the state Supreme Court in the Abbott vs. Burke equity funding case, and address all schools that need help.

In addition to naming Willa Spicer deputy commissioner, Davy has made the following appointments to assistant commissioner posts: Penelope Lattimer – school improvement, Barbara Gantwerk – student services, Jay Doolan – academic and professional standards, William King – field services, and Jacqueline Jones – early childhood education.