Schools and Public Lands commissioner leaving post early to take job with Gov. Noem

South Dakota's top School and Public Lands official is leaving his post early and joining Gov. Kristi Noem's administrative team.

The governor's office Tuesday announced that Schools and Public Lands Commissioner Ryan Brunner, who's unable to seek re-election this year due to term limits, will end his tenure in that office and take a position as a senior policy advisor to Noem.

Jarrod Johnson, the current deputy commissioner who led that office from 2007 to 2013, has been appointed to serve as interim Schools and Public Lands Commissioner until voters select Brunner's successor in an upcoming election.

“Ryan has been a tireless servant to the people of South Dakota as Commissioner of School and Public Lands, and he has earned respect throughout the halls of the Capitol and across the state. We are excited to have him join our team in the Governor’s Office,” the governor said in a statement. “Jarrod will be a capable and qualified steward of the office until the next commissioner is elected by the people.”

More: Gov. Kristi Noem losing another chief of staff, taps attorney Mark Miller to assume position

Johnson told the Argus Leader on Tuesday afternoon that he will not be a candidate in the Schools and Public Lands election, which right now has a pair of Republicans vying for the same seat.

“I plan to serve in this position in an interim capacity and will not be running for this office in the fall," Johnson said. "My goal is to ensure a smooth transition to the next commissioner following the November election.”

Former Madison lawmaker Jordan Youngberg and Sen. Brock Greenfield, R-Clark, will square off in the June primary.

Brunner, 38, said he valued his time as Schools and Public Lands Commissioner, and looks forward to continuing his service to the state of South Dakota.

"As I term limit this year and transition out of office, it is an honor to be asked by Gov. Noem to join her administration," he said.

Brunner's last day in his elected office post will be Jan. 31.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Schools and Public Lands leader Brunner leaving for job with Noem