Gov. Kim Reynolds has appointed Chad Aldis to be the next director of the Iowa Department of Education beginning March 15. Aldis’ 20-year career has centered on education reform, policy, advocacy and research. He most recently served as vice president for Ohio policy at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. Aldis led the institute’s efforts to reform Ohio’s high school graduation requirements, state report cards and charter school laws. “Chad is the type of leader we need at this pivotal time for Iowa’s education system,” Reynolds said in a prepared statement. “His unique perspective will help lead reform within the department and across our schools so that every Iowa student — regardless of what school they attend — receives a quality education that prepares them to be successful in life.” Aldis is originally from eastern Iowa. He received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Mississippi and holds a law degree from Florida State University. “Like many Iowans, I owe much to the great public education I received. We need to make sure that today’s students have the same opportunities to pursue their dreams,” Aldis said in a prepared statement. “That starts with all students leaving high school with the reading, math, and civics knowledge and skills to prepare them for either college or a career.” Aldis and his wife will move to Des Moines.