First State Educate and First State Action Fund, linked organizations aimed at improving education in Delaware, have named a new executive director.
Julia Keleher, a Philadelphia native and leader in education for nearly two decades, will succeed founder Laurisa Schutt, the nonprofits announced in a press release this week. Keleher spent seven years leading technical assistance and risk management initiatives at the U.S. Department of Education, worked as educator and administrator in the Red Clay Consolidated School District in the early 2000s and served as secretary of education in Puerto Rico from 2017-2019.
She also spent time in federal prison on fraud charges.
Her role in Puerto Rico attracted controversy, the press release said plainly. After leading Hurricane Maria recovery efforts and passing an education reform bill, Keleher became the target of a federal investigation related to alleged “corrupt” bidding processes. She ultimately pled guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud and was given six months in federal prison, a $21,000 fine and 12 months of home confinement.
But First State Educate didn’t sweat that history, having landed on Keleher after a nationwide search.
“Julia’s combination of experience, well of compassion and empathy, and commitment to educational excellence is unmatched,” said First State Educate Board President Thère du Pont in a statement. “We could not be more excited for her to work with our partners to build a cohesive and inclusive ecosystem that drives continued improvement in Delaware schools.”
After her release, Keleher returned to Delaware to become a Smart Justice Ambassador with the ACLU of Delaware, advocating to reduce the prison population and address racial disparities within the justice system.
“With more than two decades of career and advocacy experience in education and criminal legal reform, there are few people more committed and equipped to ensure Delaware’s students get the safe, equitable and proficient education they deserve,” ACLU-DE wrote in its own release Monday.
First State Educate and First State Action Fund were founded in 2019, looking to “catalyze radical change” in the state’s educational systems, having helped support school board candidates and various education initiatives in Delaware. Leaders hope she brings new perspective to their ranks.
“There can be painful consequences to challenging powerful systems,” Keleher said in the release. “I have seen first-hand the crushing consequences low-performing public schools can have on communities. I am emerging from my recent experience wholly moved to improve systems that affect educators and families.”
‘A missed opportunity’:ACLU-DE, other advocates call out University of Delaware response to violent student arrest
And she looks ready to get started. Keleher plans to set meetings this fall, aiming to hear what policymakers, educators, students and families see as key issues, while her predecessor continues to support the organization in an advisory position.
“As executive director of First State Educate, my focus will be elevating and integrating the voices of those most affected by our school system — and those best positioned to influence change.”
Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity for the USA TODAY Network’s Northeast Region and Delaware Online, with a focus on education. Contact her at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on Twitter @kpowers01.
