Khalid Mumin, currently the superintendent of the Lower Merion, has been appointed as Pennsylvania's new education secretary by Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro. 

Originally from Philadelphia, Mumin has previously worked as a teacher, principal, and district leader, and has served as the superintendent of the Reading city schools —  where he was named Pennsylvania’s Superintendent of the Year in 2021. Before reading, he had led the Montgomery County district for a little over a year. 

Mumin holds a bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University, a master’s from Penn State, and a doctorate’s from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Although enjoying his job at Lower Merion, Mumin said he couldn’t refuse to Gov.-elect Shapiro’s offer. He will take the experiences he has gained there to Harrisburg with the hope of inspiring all children, scholars and academicians to infinite possibilities of success, Mumin  added.

“During the past 15 months, I have grown to love Lower Merion, our inspiring students, exemplary staff, committed families and community members; however, Gov.-elect Shapiro has offered me a unique and exciting opportunity to reshape educational policy and practices across the Commonwealth, so all Pennsylvania students can experience the level of educational excellence our students enjoy and that all students deserve,” Mumin wrote in a letter to the Lower Merion community. 

Mumin is committed to working with Gov.-elect Shapiro to fully fund schools, prioritize students’ mental health, and empower parents to ensure their children receive a quality education. He plans to continue the progress made in areas such as full-day kindergarten and healthy start times in Lower Merion. 

The Acting Secretary of Education for Pennsylvania Eric Hagarty shared on social media that he is excited to see what Mumin will do in his mandate. 

“I’m thrilled that Governor-elect Josh Shapiro has selected Khalid Mumin, Ed.D to serve as his Secretary of Education. I have seen Dr. Mumin’s great work and leadership firsthand and believe strongly that he is the right person for the job,” Hagarty published on LinkedIn. 

Mumin is scheduled to be sworn in as Acting Secretary of Education on Jan. 17.