K-12 chancellor Cheri Yecke, who joined the Florida Department of Education in the Bush administration and was a finalist for commissioner, is leaving the department she recently sought to lead.

She has not submitted a formal resignation letter, DOE spokesman Tom Butler told the Associated Press. But she has informed commissioner Eric J. Smith that she is seeking new employment, and will depart by the end of the year.

Smith replaces her with Frances Haithcock, a former colleague at the College Board who has quite a long record in Florida education, including six years as Deputy Superintendent and six years as North Area Superintendent for Broward County Public Schools.

"Frances began her educational career in Florida and has a unique understanding of the challenges we face in our K–12 system," Smith said in a news release
issued late Wednesday. "I look forward to working with her to address these challenges and to ensure that our students are prepared for the rigorous demands of today's global economy."