Carey Wright Starts Full Term As State Superintendent Of Schools

In July, Carey Wright began a four-year term as state superintendent of schools, a full circle moment for the Maryland born, raised and trained education leader. Wright, a former Mississippi state superintendent of education who previously served as interim Maryland state superintendent, was appointed by the Maryland State Board of Education in April to a full term.

Wright’s strategic priorities include improving student outcomes in collaboration with local school systems, leaders and educators; aligning statewide literacy instruction to the science of reading; enhancing assessment and accountability models; and seizing the potential of the landmark Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation.

"This is a golden moment in public education that calls for transformational change, with all boats rowing in the same direction,” Wright said in a statement. “From the highest levels of state government to our local school systems, we are all guided by our north star of improving student outcomes and working with teachers and leaders to make that happen.”

As the longest-serving state superintendent in Mississippi history, Wright led the implementation of successful literacy reforms that resulted in unprecedented student achievement gains, known colloquially as the “Mississippi Miracle.” Wright was appointed interim Maryland state superintendent last October. Under her leadership, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) successfully managed a transition of superintendent administrations, worked in concert with the state board to take significant actions necessary toward improved math and literacy rates, and built foundational relationships with key stakeholders.

Wright has implemented a strategic agenda grounded in the science of reading. In January, the state board set an aspirational target for Maryland to be among the top 10 states for literacy instruction by 2027.

MSDE has also launched a $6.85 million, four-year philanthropic partnership with the nonprofit Ibis Group to increase literacy outcomes statewide.

Prioritizing collaboration and open dialogue, she organized the Accountability and Assessment Task Force earlier this year to strengthen the correlation between school ratings and student academic performance.

“We have the momentum to make changes across Maryland,” Wright said, “and elevate public education for every child in every school and classroom.”

AT A GLANCE: CAREY WRIGHT

Maryland Born, Maryland Raised, Maryland Trained: Carey Wright is a Prince George’s County native, product of Prince George’s County Public Schools and three-time University of Maryland alum. She has served in various teacher and administrator roles in Montgomery, Prince George’s and Howard county school systems.

National Education Leader: Wright is an acclaimed expert in literacy instruction and raising student achievement. She is a former D.C. Public Schools chief academic officer, and a former member of the National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for NAEP, the Nation’s Report Card.

Trailblazer: Wright is the longest-serving Mississippi state superintendent (2013-2022) and only the fourth woman to lead the Maryland State Department of Education. She holds the distinction of leading two state education agencies.