Brian Maher named next Nebraska DOE commissioner

Brian Maher was selected Friday by the Nebraska Board of Education as the state's next education commissioner.

Maher is still serving as executive director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents until his contract ends there June 21. He will be present for at least two more SDBOR meetings, one scheduled May 9 and another for June 21-22.

Nathan Lukkes, current general counsel for the SDBOR, will succeed Maher as the next executive director and CEO after June 21.

More: With 3 months left on the job, Board of Regents director Brian Maher wants to say 'thank you'

A 5-3 majority voted for Maher, which the Nebraska Examiner reports is rare for the board, which has approved most of its commissioners unanimously.