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New Education Commissioner chosen

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The state education board has chosen Matthew Blomstedt to serve as Nebraska's new education commissioner.

The board announced Thursday that Blomstedt, of Central City, was picked out of four finalists for the job. Blomstedt will replace Roger Breed, who retired earlier this year.

Blomstedt serves as executive director of the Nebraska Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council. He received a doctorate in educational leadership and higher education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in addition to a master's degree in community and regional planning.

The board unanimously approved Blomstedt. Board members pointed to his experience with educators throughout the state, and his work with rural Nebraska schools.

Board president Patt Timm says in a statement that members will work with Blomstedt to develop a new state accountability system.

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