Delaware education secretary to step down later this year

(AP) – Delaware’s education secretary, who has been the target of criticism by the state teachers union and lawmakers unhappy with his school reform efforts, is stepping down.

Gov. Jack Markell said Friday that Education Secretary Mark Murphy’s resignation will take effect later this year. Markell praised Murphy for the “tremendous” progress seen during his tenure, including record-high graduation rates, higher college enrollment, and expanded career training programs for high school seniors.
    
Markell also noted that Murphy has overseen implementation of higher academic standards, including Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards.
    
Markell has nominated Steven Godowsky, a veteran administrator and former superintendent of the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District, to succeed Murphy.  The state Senate will convene a special session Oct. 28 to consider Godowsky’s nomination.