Maryland Education Secretary, State Superintendent of Schools Lillian Lowery, has resigned to pursue an opportunity with an Ohio nonprofit, as reported in the Baltimore Sun. The article describes,

Lowery, who has led the state’s 24 school systems through a series of difficult and highly contentious changes, leaves shortly after Gov. Larry Hogan appointed five new state school board members. Those new members have taken their seats only in the past few months.

“We are losing an extraordinary leader, a talented State Superintendent of Schools,” state board president Guffrie Smith said. “Dr. Lowery led Maryland through a time of tremendous transition and progress. She positioned our State as a national leader in preparing students to be college and career ready.”

The Deputy Superintendent, Jack Smith, will assume the position to complete the remaining term through next summer. Dr. Smith was the Calvert County Superintendent for seven years, and participated as a speaker at MACo conferences and events.

For more information see the full story from the Sun.

A press release from the Department is also available online.