Columbus, Ohio (AP) -- Gov. Ted Strickland has appointed a labor management expert to head a commission that oversees the building and renovation of Ohio's public schools.

Based on Strickland's recommendation, the Ohio School Facilities Commission on Thursday approved the appointment of Richard Murray.

Murray is the director of the Ohio Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, which helps construction unions and contractors acquire projects and jobs.

Strickland says Murray is experienced in handling complex labor and management issues. Murray will officially start the job Sept. 14.

Murray replaces Michael Shoemaker, whom Strickland dismissed in July, saying he believed that a change would move the state forward. He didn't elaborate.

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