Branstad names Glass to head Iowa Education Department, calls him reform-minded leader

URBANDALE, Iowa (AP) — Gov.-elect Terry Branstad has named Jason Glass as director of the Iowa Department of Education, calling him a reform-minded leader for the agency.

Branstad announced his selection at a news conference Wednesday in Urbandale.

Glass has been working at Battelle for Kids, an Ohio-based non-profit group. He previously worked in human resources and education in Colorado.

The job of education department director has been vacant since May, when Judy Jeffrey retired.

Branstad says Glass will bring accountability to the position as he works to make Iowa's schools the best in the country.

Glass faces Iowa Senate confirmation proceedings.