Rich Crandall is no longer the director of the Wyoming Department of Education but he is still a state employee “for a short period of time.”

“He is currently working for the Governor through the transition to answer any questions that may arise,” according to an email response from Renny MacKay, Gov. Matt Mead’s communications director.

Mead hired Crandall, a former Arizona legislator, last year after Cindy Hill was stripped of most of her administrative duties with the Education Department by a 2013 bill that restructured the office.

But in January the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional and a final order from a district court judge last week allowed Hill to return to work. She resumed her duties on Monday.

Crandall, who started work on Aug. 1, was paid $205,000 as director and will continue to be paid that salary. Hill is paid $92,000, as are other constitutional officers.

“He will work in Governor Mead’s policy office for now until the transition is complete,” MacKay said. “He is staying on for a short period of time to help with the transition and answer any questions that may come up.”

“Governor Mead is committed to an orderly transition and has been working with the Superintendent’s Office, over the last month to accomplish this,” he said. “A smooth transition benefits students and teachers and is in the best interest of the Department of Education and its staff.”