Maryland Schools Official Tapped To Lead Local Education Group

Maryland's schools superintendent has decided to lead an education nonprofit in Columbus. Officials say Lillian Lowery will become president and chief executive officer of FutureReady Columbus, a nonprofit corporation with an initial focus on early childhood education, public policy and community engagement. The corporation combines the forces of KidsOhio, Learning Circle and Learn4Life Columbus under a board of directors headed by Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and the CEO of Dublin-based Cardinal Health. Coleman joined forces with Cardinal on the controversial Columbus Education Commission, which sought to improve local education and backed the failed Columbus City Schools levy of 2013. Lowery, who previously served as Delaware's education secretary, has served in the post since 2012.