Baker Names Education Secretary

Massachusetts Republican Gov.-elect Charlie Baker has named charter school advocate and former chairman of the state Board of Education James Peyser to serve as his secretary of education.

Baker said he's seen firsthand how Peyser's "experience and leadership" helped to improve public education during their time together on the education board. Baker said he looks forward to Peyser working with the administration to give children and parents a greater voice in their education.

Peyser worked under former Republican Govs. William Weld and Paul Cellucci and was also an education adviser for former acting Gov. Jane Swift and Gov. Mitt Romney.

Peyser was a top charter school proponent when he served as the Executive Director of the Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research.

He's currently on leave from the nonprofit NewSchools Venture Fund.