Mark Murphy confirmed as new Delaware Education Secretary

The Delaware Senate has quickly approved a replacement for Lillian Lowery as state education secretary.

Mark Murphy will now take over that post less than a month after Lowery announced her intention to take over the Maryland public school system. He received praise from senate leaders during the confirmation process.

“Mark went through a very long, thorough hearing,” said Sen. David Sokola, (D-Newark) who chairs the Senate Education Committee. Sokola added that Murphy showed a good understanding of Delaware education issues.

It was that understanding that convinced Governor Jack Markell (D-Del.) to nominate Murphy. “Mark Murphy will hit the ground running to keep our school improvements underway,” Markell said.

The state board of education released a statement praising Murphy’s confirmation. It reads, “he brings visionary leadership that will advance our efforts to provide a world-class education for every student.”

Murphy is the head of Vision 2015, a coalition of business, civic, and government leaders who work on education issues. Murphy coordinate programs in 26 Delaware school districts.

He said he is up to the task of improving education in the state. “Delaware has made remarkable progress, putting forward a detailed agenda and implementing innovative ideas to make sure more students graduate ready to succeed in work or college. I look forward to helping move each of these efforts forward,” Murphy said.