R.I. Schools Chief Named

Deborah Gist, the state superintendent of education for the District of Columbia, has been appointed the Rhode Island education commissioner. She replaces Peter McWalters, who is stepping down after being commissioner of elementary and secondary education for the last 17 years. Ms. Gist will be replaced by Kerri L. Briggs, a former top official in the U.S. Department of Education under President George W. Bush, according to the office of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty of Washington.