Hours after approving the defining hallmark of Frank Edelblut’s tenure as commissioner of the state Department of Education – universal access to Education Freedom Accounts – Gov. Kelly Ayotte nominated his successor.

On Tuesday, she named Caitlin Davis, who has directed the Division of Education Analytics and Resources for the past eight years, to replace Edelblut. Ayotte will formally present the nomination to the State Board of Education on Thursday.

Edelblut’s departure was announced in March.

Davis has helped modernize the Department of Education’s data systems and infrastructure, including the switch to iPlatform, an interactive dashboard that manages student and school data, according to the governor’s office. She has also overseen programs that deal with school safety, assessments and charter school accountability.

“Caitlin will ensure New Hampshire schools remain innovative and forward-thinking, support our fantastic teachers and public schools, and strive for the highest standards of academic achievement,” Ayotte said in a statement. “Caitlin’s collaborative, data-driven approach will help us continue delivering a best-in-class education for all of New Hampshire’s students.”

The announcement called Davis an innovator who is “recognized for her ability to bridge political divides.”

“I am honored to be nominated for this role and look forward to ensuring the department is well-run, transparent, and responsive to the needs of schools and students,” Davis said in a statement. “New Hampshire is stronger when it has a collaborative educational landscape, high-quality public schools, diverse pathways, and commitment to local control – knowing that we’re better when working together.”

Edelblut is best known in New Hampshire for championing the state’s Education Freedom Accounts, the state-funded vouchers that give money to families who wish to pursue alternative education for their children, such as private school or homeschooling.

Edelblut oversaw the start of the program in 2021 and guided its growth to more than 5,300 students this year, as well as its expansion to universal availability. Ayotte signed the bill removing the program’s income cap Tuesday morning.

Charlotte Matherly is the statehouse reporter for the Concord Monitor and Monadnock Ledger-Transcript in partnership with Report for America. Follow her on X at @charmatherly, subscribe to her Capital Beat newsletter and send her an email at cmatherly@cmonitor.com.