Pennsylvania Education Secretary Khalid Mumin will be resigning from his role in Governor Josh Shapiro’s cabinet next month, an announcement from the governor’s office confirmed on Friday afternoon. This move comes as the administration is navigating a critical phase in its education reform agenda.
Mumin, who was confirmed in June 2023—roughly six months after Shapiro assumed office—has spearheaded notable initiatives such as securing an increase in funding for K-12 public schools by an impressive $1.5 billion over the last two state budgets. Additionally, he played a crucial role in facilitating free breakfast programs for approximately 1.7 million public school students across the state.
The effective resignation date for Mumin is set for December 6. Following his departure, Executive Deputy Secretary of Education Angela Fitterer will step in as the interim secretary. While a statement issued by Shapiro’s office did not provide specific reasons behind Mumin’s resignation, it highlighted the accomplishments during his tenure.
Governor Shapiro expressed gratitude toward Mumin, commending his unwavering dedication to ensuring that the children of Pennsylvania receive a quality education that paves the way for their success.
“He has led the Pennsylvania Department of Education with passion and integrity. I am grateful for his service to Pennsylvania’s students and educators and wish him great success in his future endeavors,” Shapiro stated, acknowledging the significant contributions made under Mumin’s leadership.
Mumin shared his heartfelt reflections, stating that it has been “the honor of a lifetime” to serve as education secretary.
“I began my career as a teacher in a classroom, and those early experiences watching students get excited about learning inspired me to become a principal, a superintendent, and ultimately Secretary of Education, so I could continue to fight for those students to get more support and more opportunities,” Mumin elaborated. “I’m so grateful to Governor Shapiro for this opportunity to lead the Pennsylvania Department of Education and help build a bright future for Pennsylvania’s students and educators.”
State Sen. David Argall (R-Schuylkill), who serves as the chairman of the Legislature’s education committee, expressed his best wishes to Mumin, stating, “I look forward to working with Acting Secretary Fitterer and the governor’s nominee to improve our education system, from Pre-K to graduate school.”
“It’s important to understand that running a bureaucracy of that size … is different than being a great superintendent in a school district, big or small,” Topper noted, adding that there were “definite bumps” observed during Mumin’s tenure as he managed significant changes within the education department. He highlighted the unique challenges faced when transitioning from direct educational roles to high-level administrative positions.
“He came to office with the experience of seeing everything that Pennsylvania public schools can offer and the kind of disparity that underfunding public schools creates,” Urevick-Acklesberg stated, emphasizing that a pivotal part of Mumin’s legacy will be the early strides the commonwealth took toward rectifying the inequities in public school funding.
Mumin’s time as secretary coincided with a resolution regarding a decade-long litigation battle that addressed issues with the state’s public education funding formula, which a coalition of school districts, parents, and advocates argued disadvantaged students in less affluent areas through its reliance on property taxes. A Commonwealth Court judge mandated Shapiro and the General Assembly to correct these funding inequities in February 2023, with an interbranch commission indicating a need for a monumental $5.4 billion investment in underfunded schools.
This year’s budget allocated roughly $526 million toward bridging this funding gap; however, legislative discussions on future funding commitments have stalled as lawmakers struggled to reach a consensus on a comprehensive plan.
Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Education Committee, expressed appreciation for Mumin’s service, emphasizing his valuable experience as an educator. Williams pointed out that this expertise played a vital role in the administration and lawmakers achieving common objectives such as bolstering career and technical education initiatives, enhancing support for student mental health, and providing free menstrual products within schools.
Moreover, the governor’s office credited Mumin with fostering collaboration among higher education leaders in the state, leading to the establishment of a state Board of Higher Education aimed at reinforcing public university support and making college education more affordable for Pennsylvania students.
Topper added that some members of the General Assembly found the Education Department’s communication regarding educational reforms to be lacking. He specifically criticized the higher education reform initiative, touted as a “blueprint for higher education” by the Shapiro administration, for its perceived lack of detail or clear strategies for funding.
Williams highlighted that the forthcoming years will present substantial challenges for public education, especially with President-elect Donald Trump signaling intentions to overhaul the U.S. Department of Education. She raised concerns about the implications of Trump’s recent appointment of professional wrestling executive Linda McMahon to head the agency, asserting that any successor to Secretary Mumin must be ready to protect Pennsylvania students’ constitutional right to quality, inclusive public education.
Fitterer, who will temporarily assume Mumin’s responsibilities until a new secretary is appointed and confirmed by the Senate, brings 25 years of experience in state government. She previously served in former Governor Tom Wolf’s administration and has been instrumental in legislative leadership for the education department as well as in the development of public policy both in the House and Senate.
**What inspired Khalid Mumin to pursue a career in education and how has his teaching background influenced his role as Education Secretary?**
### Interview with Khalid Mumin, Pennsylvania’s Education Secretary
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Secretary Mumin. As you prepare for your resignation next month, can you share what this role has meant to you?
**Khalid Mumin:** Thank you for having me. Serving as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education has truly been the honor of a lifetime. I began my career as a teacher, and those early experiences in the classroom ignited my passion for education. This position has allowed me to advocate for better resources and opportunities for our students, and that has been incredibly fulfilling.
**Interviewer:** You’ve made significant strides during your tenure, particularly in securing an increase of $1.5 billion in funding for K-12 education. What do you see as your most important achievement?
**Khalid Mumin:** While I’m proud of the funding increases, the implementation of free breakfast programs for about 1.7 million public school students has been a highlight for me. Ensuring that all children have access to nutrition is critical to their ability to learn and succeed in school. It’s a foundational step towards equity in education.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what does the future hold for your education reform agenda, especially with your departure on December 6?
**Khalid Mumin:** My departure comes at a crucial time in our education reform efforts, but I have full confidence in Executive Deputy Secretary Angela Fitterer who will step in as interim secretary. The governor has plans in place, and I believe that the initiatives we’ve set in motion will continue to foster improvements in our education system.
**Interviewer:** Governor Shapiro has expressed his gratitude for your service. How do you feel about the support from the administration and your colleagues?
**Khalid Mumin:** I am incredibly grateful for the support from Governor Shapiro and my colleagues. We’ve worked collaboratively towards common goals in education, and I’ve appreciated the insights and perspectives that legislators and educators have brought to the table. Their dedication to improving education in Pennsylvania has been inspiring.
**Interviewer:** As you transition out of this role, what is your message to those continuing this important work in Pennsylvania?
**Khalid Mumin:** My message is simple: stay committed to the mission of providing every child in Pennsylvania with a high-quality education. The work is challenging, but it is so vital. Continue to advocate for equitable funding and support for all students, especially those from underserved communities. The future of our state depends on it.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Secretary Mumin, for your time and your dedication to Pennsylvania’s students and educators. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
**Khalid Mumin:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share my thoughts, and I look forward to seeing the continued progress in Pennsylvania’s education system.