Former Mat-Su educator tabbed to lead education department

WASILLA — Alaska Gov. Bill Walker announced a leadership change in the Department of Education and Early Development on Thursday, naming Dr. Susan McCauley as interim commissioner to replace Michael Hanley.

Walker said in a press release that the decision was made in consultation with the state Board of Education.

“The board and I made the decision to steer the state’s education in a new direction, and I appreciate Commissioner Hanley’s willingness to cooperate with this transition.”

Walker did not say whether he is considering McCauley to serve as a full-time replacement to lead the department.

“I will be working closely with the Board of Education in the coming months to bring new leadership to the department.”

McCauley has been a teacher and administrator in schools across Alaska. She currently serves as the director of the department’s Teaching and Learning Support Division — which, Walker pointed out, is the largest in the department.

Before going to work for the state, McCauley served as principal at Birchtree Charter School and Glacier View School and was assistant principal at Colony Middle School.

She holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from UAF, a master’s in educational administration from McDaniel College and a bachelor’s in elementary education from Penn State.

McCauley will take over as commissioner on March 1.

Board of Education chair James Fields said he thinks the change of leadership will be a good opportunity to take a fresh look at the department.

“We look forward to working with Governor Walker and his administration in the coming months to move forward with the State Board of Education’s strategic plan and aligning those goals with that of the Governor’s.”