The head of the state’s career-technical education division has stepped down.

Clay Long resigned Friday, after nearly five years in the post.

A former city administrator in Nampa, Long was hired in November 2019 to head the Division of Career-Technical Education.

In an email to staff, obtained by Idaho Education News, Long said little about his future plans.

“This is more than likely going to come as a surprise, however, after almost five years of time with the division, it’s time to head out and explore other opportunities,” Long wrote.

State Board of Education spokesman Mike Keckler confirmed Tuesday that Long had resigned. State Board Executive Director Joshua Whitworth will also head the CTE division while the board searches for a successor.

The division provides support and technical assistance for CTE programs in junior high schools, high schools, colleges and adult education and workforce training sessions. The division has a $94.6 million budget this year, including $79.2 million from the state’s general fund budget.

Long was receiving a salary of $147,347 per year, according to the state controller’s Transparent Idaho website.