Superintendent of Schools Shares Leadership Philosophy and Vision at #MACoCon

Dr. Carey Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools joined MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson for a “fireside” chat about education, the Blueprint, and the priorities of the State Department of Education going into the 2025 legislative session.

A 45-minute discussion followed by a robust “Question and Answer” session on the future of education in Maryland rounded out the final morning of the 2024 MACo Winter Conference. The State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carey Wright, has been at the helm of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for a little over a year. Her tenure coincides with the implementation of the most expansive education reform plan the state has ever seen. Dr. Wright came to the session with a vision and belief that things can get better for education in Maryland and will under her leadership.

Empowering team members and removing obstacles for them was a major element of how she manages the teams and executives around her toward the goal of better outcomes for Maryland students. With a more streamlined approach, the professionals in her charge can do the work everyday that will bring a plan like the Blueprint to life.

This clear runway to do the work is consistent with what she shared had lead to her success at the helm of the public school system in Mississippi. She shared that some likened the work she did to close the achievement gap for literacy in Mississippi as a “miracle.” Superintendent Wright was quick to point out that there was nothing miraculous about it, and rather that they came to work and did the hard things everyday with focus and perseverance.

A major take away from the conversation is that she intends to continue with this attitude and strategy as she moves the ball forward on Blueprint and broader education policy in Maryland. The entire discussion was recorded for distribution on the Conduit Street Podcast in the coming weeks.

More about MACo’s Winter Conference: