Paul Reville Named Massachusetts Secretary of Education

Posted March 11, 2008
By News editor

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick named HGSE Lecturer Paul Reville the new secretary of education today.

“I am honored to assume the role of secretary for a governor who is deeply committed to making schools more effective instruments of building equity, excellence, and opportunity for all students in the Commonwealth,” Reville said.

Beginning on July 1, Reville will oversee the recently created Executive Office of Education. This new initiative will improve policy coordination across all sectors of education including early education and care, K-12, and higher education, guiding students through every level of their education into the workforce. Additionally, the Executive Office of Education will help coordinate the work of the existing education boards in creating a comprehensive education system.

“Paul Reville is uniquely suited for the critical role of secretary of education for the Commonwealth,” said HGSE Dean Kathleen McCartney. “His work as president of the Rennie Center has moved education policy forward and shaped the conversation about education reform. He has certainly brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to classrooms at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I know Paul will work tirelessly to improve student learning in Massachusetts.”

Reville, the director of HGSE’s Education Policy and Management program, serves as the chairman of the state board of education. “Paul has done a fantastic job as chairman of the board of education and will continue to make great contributions as secretary of education,” Patrick said. “I am excited about what possibilities lie ahead for our kids.”

In addition to his work for the Commonwealth, Reville serves as president of the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy, an independent policy organization dedicated to the improvement of PreK–12 public education. The Rennie Center conducts research, convenes policymakers and shapers, and advocates for solutions to Massachusetts' educational challenges.