Deputy Commissioner's Office

The role of the Deputy Commissioner is to provide overall leadership and management of the Department in implementing its services. The Deputy Commissioner manages the internal operations of the organization.

The Deputy Commissioner's Office consists of 4 Offices

• Office of Business Management has the lead responsibility for managing the Department's budget and maximizing resource utilization. The unit is responsible for providing budget management, procurement, and coordination with all other support groups on financial issues.

• Office of Human Resources Management has the responsibility for improving the Department's human resource activities, processes and operations.

• Office of Legislation and Hearings assists the legislature, school districts, and citizens regarding the laws, rules, and administrative hearings pertaining to education in New Hampshire.

• Office of Public Information coordinates the development and management of all public relations efforts including the Department's Web site.

Contact the Deputy Commissioner at Paul.Leather@doe.nh.gov or (603) 271-3801

Paul K. Leather

Paul Leather was sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of Education on April 14, 2010. Mr. Leather’s background and experience in Education, Counseling, and Administration in New Hampshire spans three decades. He is also serving as Director of the Division of Career Technology and Adult Learning for the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) and oversees the administration of Vocational Rehabilitation, Adult Education, Career and Technical Education, Tech-Prep, School Guidance and Counseling, Apprenticeship Programs, and Career Development efforts, including Workforce Investment Act coordination for the NHDOE. In addition, Mr. Leather is past president of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and oversees statewide initiatives such as High School Redesign, Extended Learning Opportunities, and Drop Out Prevention.