Statement from UMass President Marty Meehan on the passing of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester

"The University of Massachusetts community was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mitchell Chester on Monday evening. The entire public education system in the Commonwealth owes a debt of gratitude to Commissioner Chester for his contribution to making our K-12 public schools the envy of the nation. I had the pleasure of meeting regularly with Commissioner Chester over the past two years and earned a great deal of respect for him as an educator and leader committed to providing equal access to a world-class public education for all children in Massachusetts. On behalf of the entire UMass community, I offer my sincere condolences to his wife, children, colleagues and other loved ones."

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