Crandall said the realities of having a large family out of state, as well as the demands of the position overseeing the state's public schools led him to the decision. Just a month ago, Crandall spoke enthusiastically to a committee of top lawmakers about his plans:
"The primary reason I took this job is because Colorado is position to be number one in the United States," he said.
The former Arizona lawmaker then laid out an aggressive agenda, hinting at changes he’d like to see in the funding, grading, and accountability systems. He told lawmakers it couldn’t be done without their support.
The Department of Education has weathered instability this past year. The previous commissioner retired last summer, the previous state board chair resigned citing dysfunction and several high-level administrators in the department have also left.
The State Board of Education meets Friday to discuss next steps.
