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Board thanks departing secretary as advocates praise his engagement
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Summary
At its February meeting the Board of Early Education and Care honored outgoing Secretary Pat Tutwiler; public commenter Amy O'Leary of Strategies for Children praised his engagement and called for continued investment in workforce and access.
The Board of Early Education and Care opened its February meeting by honoring two departing leaders and thanking Secretary Pat Tutwiler for his service. Tutwiler, who told the board this has been "the professional honor of a lifetime," reflected on centering children and families in policy and on efforts to stabilize and transform early childhood services.
The remarks were followed by public comment from Amy O'Leary, executive director of Strategies for Children, who thanked Tutwiler for his visible engagement with the early education field and for maintaining open channels between policymakers and practitioners. "Love is fierce and love is powerful," O'Leary said, urging continued investment in workforce supports and in systems that respond to families' needs.
Board members and agency leaders added personal tributes and recognition of Tutwiler's emphasis on early literacy, cross-sector collaboration and elevating early childhood in state-level conversations. The meeting noted small tokens of appreciation for Tutwiler and for board member Cheryl Travers, who is concluding her service.
The board proceeded to its scheduled business after the acknowledgements. Tutwiler remains on the job through the end of the week and the board signaled support for a smooth leadership transition in the days ahead.
