Pedro Martinez selected as education commissioner
The candidates were pulled from a pool of over 40 applicants, and three ultimately made it to the final interview round–assistant superintendent of Detroit public schools and former Chicago innovation chief Jack Elsey, former deputy commissioner of school programs in the Texas school system Lily Laux (LOX), and leader of Chicago public schools Pedro Martinez.
Several Board members emphasized that any of the top candidates would greatly benefit Massachusetts.
Congressman Neal discusses budget cuts by Trump administration at Veterans Roundtable in Ludlow
'I regret that we don't have a tri-partheid commissionership to solve the problem, but we don't,' said Holyoke's Michael Moriarty, a board member.
Ultimately, the board selected Pedro Martinez, praising his deep understanding of education data, dedication to poor and marginalized children, extensive leadership experience, and personal story as an immigrant and English Language Learner.
'I give the edge to Pedro Martinez,' said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. 'There is a proven track record of success in extraordinarily unideal context.'
Two board members abstained from the final vote, throwing their support behind Lily Laux, both mentioning her understand of what Massachusetts needs and focus on literacy rates.
The selected commissioner is set to begin their official duties this July.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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