Kearl rose from the ranks of secondary school math teacher to Rich County superintendent, a post she held from 1998 to 2004, when she was hired at the State Office of Education.

As state associate superintendent over student achievement and school success, Kearl has overseen curriculum and instruction, evaluation, assessment and accountability, special education and student services, career technical education and No Child Left Behind programs.

She expects to complete a doctorate in education in 2006.

"Christine is superb. The governor is going to get an excellent resource and asset," State Superintendent of Public Instruction Patti Harrington said, calling Kearl a progressive thinker and "my right arm."

Harrington plans to name Kearl's replacement by the first week in November.

Kearl has served on the governor's commission examining high school curriculum, Bridgewater said, and "filled in ably" for Harrington, who had been ill, on the governor's working group on student achievement.

"The governor has a specific agenda for education. That is, to challenge the system to raise student achievement" through teacher development, curriculum, educational choices, for example," Bridgewater said. "She (Kearl) is on board with most if not all of the governor's initiatives."

Tax credits for private school tuition, however, would be an apparent exception.

Earlier this month, Kearl and other state officials went to Milwaukee, on a trip paid for by advocacy group Education Excellence Utah, to examine its voucher program. A post-trip report to the State Board of Education said Kearl opposed the concept.

Huntsman supports the idea of giving tuition tax credits based on income, Bridgewater said. "He doesn't necessarily have to have someone who agrees with him on everything."

"I would be happy to share with the governor what I know, and listen . . . (to his) insight," Kearl said. "But what we can come to agreement with . . . is we both care about all of our children, statewide."

The deputy salary was not immediately available.

Bridgewater last month indicated $70,000 to $80,000 was on the table.

Kearl's current salary is $117,600, the State Office of Education reports.

Kearl confirmed she would take a pay cut. But, she said, it's worth it.

"It will be a neat challenge for me," she said, "an opportunity to work with a great governor."

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E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com