Brian Laramee’s remark that some residents made “uneducated comments” and said “outrageous things” about school spending has drawn criticism from people who say the rhetoric is divisive and insulting.

Former Education Commissioner Jim Rier also tells the education finance reform commission that schools that add pre-K programs need to get state money faster.

Incumbent Ed Hastings is seeking re-election, and substance abuse coordinator Holly Kiidli hopes to replace him.

The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress data examines fourth- and eighth-graders on knowledge of several fields of science.