At education conference, Chafee waffles about multiyear contract for Education Commissioner Gist

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Governor Chafee waffled Monday on whether he supports a multiyear contract for state Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist.

After speaking at a forum called The Future of Education in Rhode Island, held at Fidelity Investments, Chafee said, "I like continuity" but "I'm listening to the feedback" from teachers, parents and students who have weighed in on Gist's leadership. "No one can dismiss my commitment to K-12 education," he said.

Chafee said he is working with the state Board of Education on the commissioner's contract.