Delaware’s Education Secretary takes job in Maryland

Dr. Lillian Lowery is leaving her post as Delaware’s Secretary of Education, after accepting a new gig as Maryland’s State Superintendent of Education.

Gov. Jack Markell, D-Del, appointed Dr. Lowery to his Cabinet in 2009. 

“Secretary Lowery deserves our thanks for her years of service at the district and state levels to make our public schools stronger,” Markell said. “Strong schools are a critical foundation for a strong economy, and she committed herself fully to making sure Delaware’s children will graduate better able to succeed.”

The governor says he would like to nominate a new Secretary of Education before the state senate adjourns July 1. According to the governor, Secretary Lowery has agreed to remain in her current position until her replacement is confirmed. 

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Earlier this morning, Dr. Lowery sent an email to her Delaware Department of Education colleagues. In it she writes, “I have been privileged to serve as Delaware’s Secretary of Education, I am excited to be joining the Maryland State Department of Education as the State Superintendent of Schools. This new opportunity will allow me to work in another wonderful state… while being closer to my family.”  The Maryland State Board of Education will vote on her nomination on April 24th.

Dr. Lowery leaves in the middle of the state’s Race to Top initiative. Last month the state marked the two-year anniversary after winning $119 million in federal dollars to improve student performance. In her most recent act as Secretary, she cleared the way, Thursday, for Newark Charter and Sussex Academy of Arts and Sciences to add high schools, and voted to allow Campus Community School to phase out its high school and add kindergarten.

First sat down with Dr. Lowery last summer to discuss her philosophies. You can watch the interview below: 

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