Freddie Evans, formerly the acting Commissioner of Education, has been appointed to the post of commissioner to lead the island’s public school system.

The announcement came this afternoon from the Board of Education.

It ends a long stint without a permanent commissioner, after the resignation of Edmond Heatley in 2014 after a short tenure.

Dr Evans is a 25-year veteran of Bermuda’s public education, and his appointment was welcomed by Curtis Dickinson, chairman of the board of education.

“Dr Evans has been associated with a number of projects and key initiatives in the Department of Education during the past year. One of his immediate work tasks will be to lead the development of a multiyear transformative Strategic Plan for the Public School System with implementation during the next academic school year.”

A graduate of Jackson State University, Dr Evans received his doctorate in Education Administration and Development from Seton Hall University in New Jersey.

His experience includes assistant principal at Clark High School for the Plano Independent School District in Plano, Texas; principal of the Whitney Institute Middle School; assistant director of educational standards and accountability in the Department of Education; acting director of educational standards and accountability, as well as acting commissioner.

The appointment of a Bermudian to the closely-watched post is likely to be welcome news, although the Bermuda Union of Teachers was not available for comment this afternoon.

The move comes shortly after The Royal Gazette reported last month that British education expert Paul Wagstaff, said to be the front-runner for the position, had declined the post.

UPDATE: THIS STORY HAS BEEN AMENDED TO REFLECT THAT DR HEATLEY RESIGNED IN 2014, NOT 2013