HARRISBURG – The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27), met today and voted unanimously to advance the nomination of Dr. Carrie Rowe to serve as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education.
During the hearing, members of the committee heard Dr. Rowe’s testimony outlining her background, experience, and priorities for the Department of Education. Dr. Rowe, a lifelong Pennsylvania resident and product of the Commonwealth’s public schools, has served as a Spanish teacher, principal, superintendent, and Deputy Secretary at the Department of Education.
As Chair, Sen. Culver emphasized the committee’s constitutional duty to evaluate the Governor’s nominees and its responsibility to provide ongoing oversight of the Department.
“As elected representatives, we have an obligation to ensure that the leaders of our state agencies are committed to serving taxpayers, and particularly for the Department of Education that the Secretary is committed to improving student outcomes and protecting the integrity of our education system,” Culver said. “While we may not always agree on every issue, it is essential that we work together to find solutions that best serve students and families across Pennsylvania.”
Sen. Culver questioned Dr. Rowe on issues including accountability for all public schools, ensuring parity in education funding for rural districts, and the progress of the State Board of Higher Education in coordinating efforts between higher education and workforce development.
Following member questions, the committee voted to report Dr. Rowe’s nomination to the full Senate with no recommendation.
If confirmed by the Senate, Dr. Rowe will officially serve as the Commonwealth’s Secretary of Education, overseeing policies and programs impacting more than 1.7 million public school students. She has been serving as Acting Secretary since being nominated by the Governor.
Contact:
Sam Clepper