I Don't Know Who Any Of These People Are

Jennifer Jordan for the ProJo:

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Chafee announced his picks for the state's chief education policy-setting board, selecting former House Majority Leader George D. Caruolo as chairman of the state Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education.

At a 1 p.m. press conference at the State House, Chafee announced his picks.

His nominations must be approved by the Senate.

New nominees include:

Robert L. Carothers, former president of the University of Rhode Island.

Carolina B. Bernal, an East Providence parent who works at the Institute for Labor Studies and Research in Warwick.

And Mathies J. Santos, an outreach associate for Rhode Island at the Boston Veteran Affairs Research Institute.

The following members will remain on the board:

Colleen Callahan, director of professional development for the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers, a Regent since 2003.

Patrick Guida, a lawyer and vice-president Barrington School Committee; Regent since 2001.

Betsy Shimberg, an East Greenwich parent; term expires Jan. 31, 2012.

Karin L. Forbes, a retired math teacher who has served on the Regents since 2004.

The new chairperson of the Board of Governors for Higher Education also serves on Board of Regents. Chafee said he will appoint that board later this winter.

This is a much more powerful body than it was two years ago, thanks to the outgoing board. I wonder what the new board will do with that power.