Education Secretary Tutwiler stepping down on Friday

Salem Schools Superintendent Stephen Zrike Jr. set to take over next month

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler will step down on Friday after three years in the role, with Salem Schools Superintendent Stephen Zrike Jr. set to take over the position next month. Tutwiler is leaving to become president and CEO of a nonprofit organization, while Zrike is praised for improving outcomes across multiple districts.

Why it matters

The departure of Education Secretary Tutwiler adds to the turnover in Gov. Maura Healey's administration, as she splits attention between reelection plans and governing during a busy year for both policy and politics. Zrike's appointment brings a familiar name to Beacon Hill, particularly for Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, who worked with him when she was mayor of Salem.

The details

Tutwiler is leaving the Healey administration to become president and chief executive officer of Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs, a Needham-based nonprofit serving children and youth with complex emotional, behavioral and learning needs. Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw will serve as interim secretary until Zrike formally assumes the post in March. Zrike is currently in his sixth year as superintendent of Salem Public Schools and previously led the Holyoke and Wakefield districts.

  • Tutwiler will step down on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • Zrike will formally assume the role of Education Secretary in March 2026.

The players

Patrick Tutwiler

The outgoing Secretary of Education who is leaving the Healey administration to become president and CEO of a nonprofit organization.

Stephen Zrike Jr.

The incoming Education Secretary, who is currently the Superintendent of Salem Public Schools and has previously led the Holyoke and Wakefield districts.

Maura Healey

The Governor of Massachusetts, whose administration is experiencing turnover as she splits attention between reelection plans and governing.

Kim Driscoll

The Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, who previously worked with Zrike when she was the mayor of Salem.

Amy Kershaw

The Early Education and Care Commissioner, who will serve as interim Education Secretary until Zrike assumes the role.

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What they’re saying

“As a former mayor of Salem, I know firsthand what a strong partner he is for our students, teachers and parents.”

— Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor (boston25news.com)

“Coming out of the pandemic, his job was to 'stabilize, heal, and transform' the state's education system — and then to 'rethink' what school is and what it could be.”

— Patrick Tutwiler, Outgoing Education Secretary (boston25news.com)

What’s next

Zrike will formally assume the role of Education Secretary in March 2026.

The takeaway

The departure of Education Secretary Tutwiler and the appointment of Superintendent Zrike as his successor highlights the ongoing challenges facing Massachusetts' education system as it continues to navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, including staffing shortages, learning loss, and uneven recovery across districts.