In the days since I announced I would be leaving Maine DOE to become the national Director of Innovation for the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), I’ve received calls and notes of support from many in Maine’s learning community, for which I am very grateful. Thank you.
The decision to accept the opportunity offered by CCSSO was the most difficult of my career, and hearing from you was a reminder of why I’ve felt so honored this past two and a half years to be Maine’s Commissioner of Education. I can move on assured that the reforms that are underway to improve educational outcomes for all students will continue to move forward, because of your commitment – and that of the incredible team here at DOE – to our kids.
While an Acting Commissioner has not yet been named, the leadership team here at DOE including Deputy Commissioner Jim Rier and Chief Academic Officer Rachelle Tome has already begun meeting to ensure this transition is a smooth one for the schools we serve. There is great support from the team here to continue to advance all of our current work to support schools in meeting the needs of all learners, using our Education Evolving strategic plan as the map for the road ahead. In the weeks before my September 12 departure, we will continue these conversations and keep you apprised of them through these regular Commissioner’s Updates and our newsroom.
As always, please contact DOE if we may be a resource to you in any way as the school year begins.