OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt submitted his resignation letter on Thursday, saying he plans to move on from the agency in January.
In the letter addressed to the state board of education president Patsy Koch Johns, Blomstedt says he'll stay in the role until Jan. 3 in order to facilitate a smooth transition.
Reviewing his nearly nine-year tenure with the agency, Blomstedt reflected on the pandemic among several other changes and challenges. The commissioner says his future plans include educational policy.
"Working with the State Board and staff, I have been successful in achieving expectations set out in the strategic vision and direction. And though I will not be with the NDE, my future endeavors will focus my skills and attention on education and policy issues," Blomstedt wrote.
Some of those other challenges included the Nebraska Board of Education pursuing health and sex education standards. Those standards ignited a conservative and right-wing fury to the board, and those standards were later set aside.
Blomstedt also lead Nebraska schools at the onset of the pandemic, when Gov. Ricketts was forced to close schools and go to remote learning.
RELATED: Nebraska Republican Party tweets cartoon depiction of oral sex, eventually removes it
Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage.
Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox.
