Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Deborah Gist will undergo surgery next month for what is believed to be a benign brain tumor, the RI Dept. of Education (RIDE) announced today.

In a release sent to media, Board of Regents Chair George Caruolo said:

As you may be aware, while traveling to a conference in Atlanta on July 9, Commissioner Gist suffered a concussion. During her recovery from the concussion, medical examinations revealed that Commissioner Gist has a brain tumor that her doctors believe to be a meningioma, which are nearly always benign and not life-threatening, and the Commissioner is expected to make a full recovery. Because of the location of the tumor, the Commissioner’s doctors recommend its removal, and surgery is scheduled for late September. Until that time, Commissioner Gist will continue to fulfill her responsibilities, but she will work on a limited schedule in order to speed her recovery from the concussion, which is important in leading up to the surgery. Commissioner Gist will return to the R.I. Department of Education (RIDE) full-time after her recovery from surgery; recovery is expected to take about two months. Plans have been developed with the Commissioner to ensure that all the work of the Department will continue without interruption.

On behalf of the Board of Regents, I wish Commissioner Gist a speedy and full recovery. Our thoughts and our prayers are with her.

Governor Linc Chafee said:

Commissioner Gist is a valued member of my administration and a tremendous advocate on behalf of all Rhode Island students. I know that the Commissioner faces this challenge with a positive attitude and a tenacious spirit, which will help her make a quick recovery. Stephanie and I will keep her in our thoughts in the coming weeks, and I know that all Rhode Islanders join with us in wishing her well.

The Commissioner and her family and friends are in our thoughts at this difficult time. I'm sure that that all Rhode Islanders will join me in wishing Commissioner Gist a speedy recovery.

Editorial note: Written from a press release.