In a significant education move, Governor Maura Healey's office announced the appointment of Pedro Martinez as the new commissioner for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in Massachusetts, starting July 1. Currently spearheading the Chicago Public Schools, Martinez is set to bring over two decades of education leadership experience to the Bay State, said Governor Healey in a statement obtained by Mass.gov.
After a voting process on April 22 by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, which found Martinez suitable for the role, Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler has given the green light for Martinez's appointment. "Pedro Martinez has spent more than two decades in education leadership and has improved learning and opportunities for a range of students, from early learners through high school," Governor Healey stated, acknowledging the incoming commissioner's track record. Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll also expressed her confidence in the selection, underlining the administration's focus on foundational skills such as reading, as per Mass.gov.
Secretary Tutwiler lauded Martinez's impending influence, particularly his ability to tackle opportunity gaps in the state. In his current role, Martinez has pushed for expansions in early childhood education and helped Chicago's schools experience post-pandemic academic recoveries. During his tenure in Chicago, starting in 2021, the district not only saw improved reading and math scores but also higher graduation rates and increased college credit acquisition by high school students. Before his time in Chicago, Martinez served as superintendent in San Antonio, Texas, and held significant roles in Nevada's education system.
Slated to become the 25th commissioner and the first Latino in the position, Mr. Martinez will soon oversee DESE's 450 employees and a myriad of essential education duties, which span from educator licensure to state learning standards, and the administration of school meal programs, "I am thrilled to be coming to Massachusetts, the birthplace of public education in this country,” Mr. Martinez said, signaling his eagerness to engage with Massachusetts' education community. He, along with his wife and two children, anticipates the move to his new home state, as per Mass.gov.
