NEW: Gist Has Surgery to Remove Brain Tumor

NEW: Gist Has Surgery to Remove Brain Tumor

Education Commissioner Deborah Gist had surgery to remove what was believed to be a benign brain tumor today, according to Governor Chafee’s office.

Gist’s tumor was discovered after she accidentally suffered a concussion over the summer. She is expected to make a full recovery.

Chafee’s office released the following statement:

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“I am very pleased to report that Commissioner Gist has undergone surgery and that it went extremely well, with no apparent complications. The Commissioner is making a fine recovery so far, and her doctors expect that she will be able to leave the hospital within a day or two.

“The many messages of support that the Commissioner has received from across the entire community have been a great comfort to her during this ordeal. I join with all friends of education in Rhode Island in hoping and expecting that Commissioner Gist will make a rapid and full recovery and that she will soon be able to resume her important work on behalf of Rhode Island students.”