Topeka ? A high-ranking official in the Kansas Department of Education who was passed over for the job of state education commissioner will be leaving for the U.S. Department of Education.

Alexa Posny, currently deputy commissioner of education, will become director of the Office for Special Education Programs with the federal education agency.

In addition to her duties at the state department, Posny served as an adjunct professor at Kansas University, teaching an intercollaborative teaming course and methods for diverse learners.

State Board of Education member Bill Wagnon said Posny’s departure would be a loss to the state, but a plus for the nation.

“She is probably the most qualified person in the country to take that job,” said Wagnon, a Democrat from Topeka whose district includes Lawrence.

Last year, Wagnon voted for Posny to become Kansas education commissioner after the resignation of Andy Tompkins.

However, a 6-4 majority on the board chose Bob Corkins, who had no experience in education and had worked as an advocate opposed to court-ordered increases in public school spending.

Posny said her departure had nothing to do with the hiring of Corkins.

“This opportunity came out of the blue,” she said.

In her new job, Posny will report to John Hager, who is assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services.

Her new responsibilities will include advising Hager on educational policy related to individuals with disabilities, providing leadership in addressing the problems of education for children with disabilities and coordinating grant programs administered by the office.

In announcing Posny’s appointment, Hager said that under her leadership, Kansas had become a national leader in including students with disabilities in the state accountability system.

Posny has been with the state education department since 1999, when she was hired as the state director of special education.

Before that, she served as director of special education for the Shawnee Mission school district.

She has a doctoral degree in educational administration with a minor in special education, a master’s in behavioral disabilities and undergraduate degrees in sociology and psychology. She has taught students with learning disabilities at the elementary level and students with behavior disorders at both the middle and high school levels.

Dale, Kansas deputy commissioner of education, said Posny’s role would be difficult to fill.

“Her expertise and knowledge regarding No Child Left Behind and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is exceeded by no one in this state. Dr. Posny’s leadership in school improvement has been significant and will be missed,” Dennis said.