[3] Bennett was narrowly elected Indiana State Superintendent in 2008, succeeding retiring four-term incumbent Suellen Reed.

Scores on the state's ISTEP+ exam, Advanced Placement pass percentages and graduate rates reached new highs.

criticized Bennett and his wife in 2011 because of her involvement with a charter school oversight program at Marian University.

The state awarded a contract to Marian to establish a "Turnaround Leadership Academy" to train transformational school leaders.

[6] Despite receiving nearly hundred thousand dollars[7] in out-of-state campaign money,[8] Bennett ended up losing the 2012 superintendent race to Glenda Ritz.

[9] Then President of Purdue University, Mitch Daniels, claimed that teachers used illegal tactics to defeat Bennett.

[15] In May 2015, Marion County prosecutors had reviewed the inspector general's internal documents, and declined to pursue charges against Bennett.

[20] On August 1, 2013, Bennett announced his resignation due to the scandal surrounding Christel House Academy, citing if he stayed on as commissioner it would "be a distraction to the children of Florida.

[25] After the verdict, Bennett stated "After 18 months of absolute hell, this is the first day of justice for our beautiful daughter, their mom, our two grandchildren and Emery who endured this tragedy.