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Gov. Corbett picks new education secretary

HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett’s administration is telling lawmakers that he’ll name a central Pennsylvania public school superintendent as his new education secretary, with outgoing Ron Tomalis becoming an adviser on post-secondary education issues.

Administration officials said in an e-mail that Corbett will nominate Cumberland Valley School District Superintendent William Harner as his new education secretary today.

The e-mail calls the 56-year-old Harner “an excellent addition to our team.” Tomalis’ two-year tenure was both busy and rocky, coming at a time when the Corbett administration carried out deep cuts in aid to schools and universities.

Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley did not respond to a request for comment today.

After he is officially nominated, Harner must be confirmed by the Senate.

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