Former Swampscott Superintendent Sworn in as State Education Secretary

Governor Deval Patrick today officially swore in Matthew H. Malone, Ph.D. as Secretary of the Executive Office of Education.  

“I am thrilled to welcome Secretary Malone to this critical role within our administration,” said Governor Patrick. “Matt brings a tremendous amount of passion to this work and knows, firsthand, the transformative power that education can have on a young person’s life.  I look forward to partnering with him in our continued efforts to build a 21st century education system in Massachusetts that will prepare all of our students for success.” 

Prior to his appointment, Malone served as Superintendent of the Brockton Public Schools since 2009.  He brings real-world experience managing the fourth largest school district in the state and a keen understanding of the challenges facing Gateway City schools to his new role. He previously served as Superintendent of Schools in Swampscott for four years. Malone will employ a passion for improving urban education and a keen understanding of the value of educating the whole child – from early education through higher education.  Malone has been credited with turning around failing public schools as a headmaster in Boston and as a special assistant to the Superintendent in San Diego, California. His career began as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher in the Boston public schools in 1993.

“I look forward to serving the Commonwealth as Secretary of Education, and am humbled by the confidence the Governor has in me to do this job well,” said Secretary Malone.  “My commitment and my passion for this work are unquenchable, and I will strive each and every day to ensure that all students in Massachusetts have the supports they need to be successful in the classroom, the workforce and in life.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Secretary Malone to this critical role within our administration,” said Governor Patrick. “Matt brings a tremendous amount of passion to this work and knows, firsthand, the transformative power that education can have on a young person’s life.  I look forward to partnering with him in our continued efforts to build a 21st century education system in Massachusetts that will prepare all of our students for success.” 

Before beginning his career in education, Malone served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.  He is a Combat Veteran of the Persian Gulf War having served in the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti Theatres of Operations with the First Marine Division.

As Secretary, Malone will be responsible for overseeing the Administration’s efforts to build a more aligned, comprehensive 21st century public education system that prepares every student in the Commonwealth to be a lifelong learner and succeed in the global economy. Malone will work to expand access to our early education and care system so that even more of our youngest citizens will have a solid foundation for literacy and healthy development; fully implement the tools provided to educators and school leaders by the Achievement Gap Act of 2010 so that all students have access to high-quality learning experiences; and continue working closely with our community colleges, state universities and UMass campuses to ensure that our students are prepared to compete and succeed in a high-skill, high-knowledge economy. 

Malone holds a doctorate degree in Educational Administration/School Leadership from Boston College and currently resides in Roslindale. He is the parent of two Boston Public Schools students.

This article was submitted by Gov. Deval Patrick's office