WASHINGTON – District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray has selected Abigail Smith to serve as his deputy mayor for education.
Smith would replace De’Shawn Wright, who left last year to become deputy secretary for education in New York state. Her appointment is subject to approval by the D.C. Council.
Smith has worked under current schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson and her predecessor, Michelle Rhee. She has experience as an administrator in both public and charter schools.
The deputy mayor oversees the mayor’s education initiatives. Smith will be asked to develop a plan for the coexistence of public and charter schools.
Smith says in a statement that she’s seen the best of the district’s public education in both sectors. She says “there’s an urgent need to do more as quickly as we can.”
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