State Names New Superintendent of Schools

The Maryland State Board of Education on Friday announced the selection of Lillian M. Lowery as the next State Superintendent of Schools.

Lowery will assume the top position of the nation's number one-ranked state school system on July 1.

She will succeed Bernard J. Sadusky, who accepted the job on an interim basis upon the July 1, 2011, retirement of Nancy S. Grasmick.

Lowery is the Secretary of Education for the Delaware Department of Education, and is credited with "facilitating a broad-based statewide strategic planning and grant application process" which resulted in Delaware being selected as the first state to be awarded the federal Race to the Top education grant, according to a statement from MSDE.

State Board President James H. DeGraffenreidt Jr. said Lowery comes to Maryland well prepared to lead the state's system to continued improvement.

“Dr. Lowery comes to Maryland with impressive credentials, skill sets and notable accomplishments to lead our state’s educational system as we continue our efforts to provide our students with a world class education that prepares them for lifelong success,” DeGraffenreidt said in the statement. “The Board looks forward with great excitement to working with Dr. Lowery in building upon the well documented successes that Maryland has already achieved, and leading our State to even greater educational achievements in the coming years.”

Lowery said she is "very excited to join an outstanding educational system," and looks forward to working with Maryland educators across the state.

The state board will take official action on Lowery's appointment at its April 24 meeting.

The superintendent-select then begin scheduling a series of public meetings to listen and learn from education, parent, civic, legislative and other public and stakeholder groups, according to the statement.

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For information on Harford County Public Schools, visit hcps.org.