MANCHESTER - Governor Shumlin announced today that Armando Vilaseca will serve as Vermont's first Education Secretary for up to one year. In the running was the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union Superintendent Daniel French.

French was one of three candidates for the position, which were announced back in November.

"I wish [Vilaseca] the best," said French. "He is very deserving of the position and I am sure he will do a great job."

Governor Shumlin said in the statement announcing Vilaceca's appointment that he will be searching for a new Education Secretary a year from next summer, in 2014. French ould be a possible candidate again once that time roles around.

But French declined to say whether or not he might make a second run at the state's top education job.

"I don't know," said French when asked if he would apply for the position once it opens up again. "Right now I am pretty busy with budget stuff. I have not considered applying."

In 2009, French was named the top superintendent in Vermont by the Vermont Superintendents Association and is currently in his sixth year as superintendent of the BRSU, which overseas Manchester Elementary-Middle School, The Dorset School, Sunderland Elementary School, Currier Memorial School, and Mettawee Community School.

Vilaseca has served as Commissioner of Education since 2009. In the past, Vilaseca has worked with Governor Shumlin on education issues including the expansion of early education, higher

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proficiency in math, and ensuring Vermont schools are providing the education students need to compete in the global job market, according to the prepared press release.