BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced that she is appointing Dr. Stephen Zrike Jr. as Secretary of Education. Dr. Zrike is currently the Superintendent at Salem Public Schools and previously led the Holyoke and Wakefield Public Schools. Current Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler will be stepping down from his position on Friday, February 13 to assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs.
“Dr. Zrike has a proven track record of improving learning for thousands of students across our state and the country. From his time as a fifth-grade teacher, to principal and onto Superintendent, he has changed lives and inspired those he works with. We congratulate him on this new role and can’t wait to work together to make sure every student has a high-quality education from early childhood through college and career,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful for Secretary Tutwiler’s leadership as Secretary of Education and his lifetime of service to the students of Massachusetts. Together, we created nation-leading graduation standards, enrolled thousands more students in early college, added thousands of child care seats, expanded early literacy tutoring and made historic increases to college financial aid. But what I’ll remember most about Secretary Tutwiler is his unfailing positivity and the absolute joy on the faces of students across the state any time he walks into the room. We wish him the very best in his next steps.”
“I am pleased to welcome Stephen as our next Secretary of Education. As a former Mayor of Salem, I know firsthand what a strong partner he is for our students, teachers and parents, and I am confident his leadership will strengthen education across our state and build on the great work from the last three years under Secretary Tutwiler’s leadership,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It’s been a pleasure to work with Secretary Tutwiler, and I am beyond grateful for his commitment to the students across Massachusetts. He will be missed, but I wish him the very best in his next steps, and I know he will continue to positively shape the futures of the students of Massachusetts for years to come.”
“As I prepare to step into a new role with an organization dedicated to serving children with complex needs, my heart is full. This moment brings both excitement for what’s ahead and profound gratitude for the years I was honored to serve side by side with students, educators, families and communities to strengthen the educational landscape of the Commonwealth. I want to thank Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for the privilege of serving as Secretary of Education. I will miss this work and this partnership more than I can express, but I also feel immense hope knowing that I’m leaving it in such capable, committed, and compassionate hands,” said Secretary Tutwiler. “Together, we will all continue fighting for the freedom of students to learn, to grow, to imagine, and to belong.”
“I’m deeply grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for the opportunity to serve as Secretary of Education,” said Dr. Zrike. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside students, parents and educators across the state to ensure every student has the support and opportunities they need to succeed. I will miss working with Salem’s students, educators, and families; the lessons they have taught me over the past six years will be central to how I lead as Secretary.”
Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw will serve as Interim Secretary until Dr. Zrike assumes his position in March.
