(Washington, DC) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray today thanked State Superintendent of Education Hosanna Mahaley Jones for her service and leadership to the District’s educational efforts as she announced her resignation due to family commitments. Jones has served since 2011 as the head of the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
“I applaud Hosanna for her leadership in helping push forward my agenda of expanding access to top-quality public education in the District of Columbia,” said Mayor Gray. “I thank her for her service to all of our residents, and send my best wishes and prayers to her and her family as she departs.”
State Superintendent Mahaley Jones said she would assist with the transition to new leadership until her last day in the office, July 26. “The decision to leave the District of Columbia at this critical juncture in public education is heartfelt, particularly when OSSE has made significant strides in the past few years,” she said. “I appreciate the support that has been given to my family and to me as my husband’s health continues to improve from the massive heart attack he recently suffered. As his recovery continues, we have decided to return home to Chicago to be near our family and continue the journey we started when we married 18 months ago. I am confident that I leave the Office of the State Superintendent of Education with a strong leadership team in place and truly appreciate the opportunity Mayor Gray has given me in leading the agency.”
Mayor Gray announced that he would launch a nationwide search to replace Mahaley Jones and that he would name OSSE Assistant Superintendent for Post-Secondary Education Emily Durso to serve as the Interim State Superintendent. Durso has served at the agency since 2011. Previously, she served as President of the Hotel Association of Washington, DC and as president of EV Housing, Inc. and Home Rule Development Corporation. A Ward 2 resident, she is a graduate of Georgetown University and the Catholic University School of Social Work. She has served on the boards of several local institutions, including the University of the District of Columbia, the Hospitality High School, the DC Chamber of Commerce, and Destination DC.
“As a native Washingtonian, I am honored to continue to serve the District in this new capacity for as long as needed, and wish our State Superintendent Hosanna Mahaley Jones and her family our best in her husband’s recovery,” said Durso. “I appreciate the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Education for their confidence in me and will continue the hard work to improve the District’s public education.”
