Delaware Education Secretary appoints key leaders ahead of major school funding overhaul

Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten has appointed two seasoned education officials to help lead the state through its most significant school funding reform in over seven decades.

Denise Carter has been named Deputy Secretary for Strategic Initiatives, while Adam Schott will serve as Associate Secretary for Student Support.

The appointments mark Marten’s first senior hires since taking office and come as the state prepares to implement a student-centered funding formula aimed at improving equity and outcomes across public schools.

“The shift to a student-centered funding formula is a top priority for our Administration, and I have been impressed with the dramatic progress the Public Education Finance Committee is making in that direction, under the leadership of State Sen. Laura Sturgeon,” said Secretary Marten. “The appointment of Deputy Secretary Carter and Associate Secretary Schott will ensure our department is prepared to help schools implement the final program approved by the Legislature and signed by Governor Meyer.”

Carter brings more than 30 years of experience in federal operations, most recently leading key modernization efforts at the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office.

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Her leadership played a pivotal role in the rollout of the revamped 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, benefiting around 17 million students nationwide.

Carter previously oversaw core functions at the Department of Education, including finance, acquisitions, and human resources. She is a recipient of the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award.

Schott, a longtime advocate for education equity, has held senior roles in the Pennsylvania Department of Education and served on the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.

Most recently, he worked as the principal deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, helping to distribute $122 billion in pandemic relief funds under the American Rescue Plan. Schott also brings local experience from his time as a school board member in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Both appointees are expected to play a crucial role as Delaware finalizes its funding formula overhaul—a process gaining momentum under the leadership of State Senator Laura Sturgeon and the Public Education Finance Committee.

“The Delaware Department of Education is fortunate to have so many strong leaders, who are committed to providing our students with the opportunities they deserve,” Marten said. “I’m grateful so many national and regional leaders are prepared to support our efforts by bringing their experience to the First State.”