The state Board of Education has promoted Stephen Schatz to deputy superintendent of Hawaii’s public school system.

Schatz — a former teacher and administrator in Hawaii and California — was most recently assistant superintendent for the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance.

He will be second in command under the superintendent overseeing the nation’s ninth-largest school district, with approximately 180,000 students and some 13,000 teachers.

Schatz worked for the Compton Unified School District in California as a teacher, vice principal and principal in various elementary schools before joining the Hawaii Department of Education in 2002. He previously was vice principal at Waialua High and Intermediate and principal of Pohakea Elementary.

Schatz was appointed in 2009 as complex area superintendent for the Honolulu District, and in 2011 as assistant superintendent for strategic reform to oversee the state’s multiyear federal Race to the Top grant.

He replaces Ronn Nozoe, who went to the U.S. Department of Education.

"I’m passionate about instruction, and focused on supporting our leaders to provide equity of opportunity for all students within our system," Schatz said in a statement.

Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said, "Stephen not only brings his educational experience to the position but also his perspective as a parent of two public school children."

The board did not disclose a salary for Schatz in announcing the promotion. His predecessor earned $160,000.