CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Those involved in Wyoming education say the business background of Gov. Matt Mead's selection to head the Wyoming Department of Education should be an asset.

Wyoming Board of Education member Scotty Ratliff says he's optimistic about what Rich Crandall brings to Wyoming.

Sen. Hank Coe, chairman of the Wyoming Senate Education Committee, says Crandall's administrative expertise is necessary as director.

Crandall is a Republican Arizona state senator and co-owner of two companies. He was appointed director of the Wyoming agency on Wednesday.

His education includes a master's of business administration from the University of Notre Dame.
His experience with education has been mostly political. Crandall was president of the school board in Arizona's largest school district and was chairman of education committees in the Arizona Senate and House.

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