Topeka ? Kansas’ former top education official will chair a new group charged with helping at-risk students succeed in school.

Andy Tompkins, who resigned earlier this year as state education commissioner, was picked by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to head the At-Risk Education Council.

Tompkins, of Topeka, currently is an associate professor at Kansas University’s School of Education.

“Andy is one of our state’s top educators and I can think of no one else better qualified to help us make sure all Kansas children have an opportunity to live up to their full potential,” Sebelius said.

The council’s first meeting will be Dec. 7 in the Capitol.