News Brief
Maine Education Commissioner Resigns to Take National Post
Bangor Daily News (Maine) (08/16/13) Cousins, ChristopherMaine Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen announced Aug. 16 that he will resign effective Sept. 12 to take a job with the Council of Chief State School Officers. Gov. Paul LePage appointed Bowen in 2011, and he has played a key role in implementing some of the governor's education reforms, including the adoption of an A-F grading system for schools, a system of accountability for teachers and school administrators, and a proficiency-based diploma to ensure high school students are college or career ready upon graduation. In September, Bowen will become CCSSO's strategic initiative director of innovation and oversee its Innovation Lab Network. "This is not a step I take lightly. I firmly believe in the reform work we are doing here in Maine and I am confident that the reforms we have advanced, both in terms of education policy and in terms of how the Department of Education does its work to support schools and students, will lead to improved student outcomes," Bowen said. CCSSO Executive Director Chris Minnich said, "States across the country are focused on ensuring all students graduate from high school ready for college and career. They recognize in order to achieve this goal they need to provide innovative solutions to traditional problems and rethink how best to deliver education today. Bowen has led Maine in developing some of the most innovative education practices in the country and we look forward to bringing his experience and leadership to the national level."
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