Credit: Submitted
A former Bucks County school administrator has been nominated by Gov.-Elect John Shapiro to be Pennsylvania’s next leader of the Department of Education.
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Shapiro’s transition team announced Monday that Dr. Khalid Mumin, who currently serves as superintendent of the Lower Merion School District, has been nominated. He will have to be confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate.
Mumin has had a growing public profile in recent years. He has served as a teacher, dean of students, principal, and superintendent, according to the governor-elect’s team.
Mumin worked as an English leader in rural Pennsylvania and eventually rose to become a principal in the Centennial and New Hope-Solebury school districts in Bucks County. He led a Maryland countywide school system and then the hardscrabble Reading School District before taking the helm at the affluent Lower Merion School District.
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“It is an honor to serve Governor-Elect Shapiro and the people of Pennsylvania as Secretary of Education and help him carry out his vision so every child in Pennsylvania — regardless of race, class, or zip code — receives a quality education and the opportunity to shape their own future,” Mumin said in a statement. “For over 25 years, I have served as a teacher, dean of students, principal, and school superintendent – and I know firsthand what it takes to move our education system forward. I look forward to working with the Governor-Elect to fully fund our schools, make our students’ mental health a priority, and empower parents and guardians to ensure their children receive a quality education.”
Lucy Klain, the Lower Merion School District’s school board president, said in a letter to parents that the nomination for Mumin was an “exciting opportunity and compliment Governor-elect Shapiro on his excellent choice.”
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Mumin was named as the 2021 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.
In addition to Mumin, Shapiro, a Democrat from Montgomery County, announced he will nominate Nancy Walker to be the next secretary of labor and industry and Neil Weaver to be the next secretary of administration.
“I’m proud to nominate Dr. Khalid Mumin, Nancy Walker, and Neil Weaver to key cabinet posts in my Administration – they are important members of the diverse and experienced team of Pennsylvania leaders and policy experts who will be joining my Administration to tackle the challenges facing our Commonwealth today,” said Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro. “I am ready to work with all three of them to create real opportunities for our children, build an economy that works for everyone, improve our schools, and lead the Commonwealth’s more than 75,000 employees. With these accomplished public servants in my cabinet, we will be ready to get to work to meet this moment and move our Commonwealth forward.”
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Shapiro’s office said the incoming governor has a “vision to ensure every student has access to the ‘thorough and efficient’ education that Pennsylvania’s constitution promises, invest in vocational, technical, and computer training, expand Pennsylvania’s workforce, and recruit and retain talented and qualified public servants across the commonwealth.”
Shapiro and Lt. Gov.-Elect Austin Davis will take office on January 17.
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