TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran on Thursday announced he will step down from his position at the end of April.

He has served in the post for more than three years since his appointment in December 2018, and he has served the state continuously since 2010, including his time as a member and as speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

“Richard has been a champion for students and families, and a great leader of the Department of Education,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “He is driven by his principles and has never shied away from making the difficult decisions needed to improve the quality of education in Florida. During his tenure, both in the House and at the Department, our state has become an education juggernaut and national leader for innovation. We wish him well and thank him for his service.”

A news release said Corcoran has overseen education reforms in Florida that expanded school choice, eliminated common core, and invested record funding in students and teachers. 

Corcoran plans to return to private life and said he looks forward to spending more time with his wife Anne and their six children. 

“Like the rest of the nation, Florida's school districts have had to weather some of the greatest difficulties they have ever experienced over the past two years, and I couldn't think of a better governor to serve,” said Corcoran, who thanked DeSantis for his support.