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Dr. Karla Brooks Baehr informed the school committee late yesterday that she will not seek renewal of her contract as superintendent of the Lowell Public Schools. Instead, she will apply for the position of Massachusetts Commissioner of Education. It’s a great opportunity for her and a position that impacts the education of more than 900,000 students statewide. (A few years ago, then-Commissioner David Driscoll offered Baehr the job of his number two person, which she declined.) Now, with Governor Deval Patrick, who clearly has a vision for public education, and newly named Chairman of the Board of Education Paul Reville at the helm, it’s as if the stars are aligned for the Commonwealth to take education reform to a new level, and I can understand why Dr.  Baehr wants to be part of it. I wish her well and know she is a strong candidate who would make a great commissioner, but I also mourn the loss of her leadership here in Lowell. We have made significant progress under her guidance in so many areas, especially in terms of curriculum, instruction, and better meeting the educational needs of our students. As part of her decision, Dr. Baehr has asked Headmaster Samaras to defer his retirement until June 2009 and he has agreed. As she noted in her email to the committee:  ”Having Headmaster Samaras at the helm of Lowell High School during this time of transition is in the best interests of students and staff.” Keeping our focus on what’s in the best interest of our students is obviously the way forward, but I can’t help feeling we are losing one of the best superintendents the state has to offer.  It will be difficult and expensive to replace her in today’s competitive market.