DELAWARE- Delaware Secretary of Education Cynthia “Cindy” Marten has appointed two veteran public servants to senior leadership roles as the state prepares for its first major overhaul of the education funding formula in over 75 years.
Denise Carter has been named Deputy Secretary for Strategic Initiatives, while Adam Schott will serve as Associate Secretary for Student Support. These are Marten’s first senior staff appointments since taking office.
“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,” Marten said in a statement. “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 decades of government efficiency and innovation experience, most recently at the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office. There, she led critical technological and organizational updates that helped improve the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid for more than 17 million people. Carter also oversaw core operations for the department’s 4,200 federal employees and 30,000 contractors. For her career contributions, she received the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award.
Schott, a longtime education finance expert, recently served as principal deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Education. He helped direct the implementation of the American Rescue Plan’s $122 billion education relief fund. He has also held leadership roles in the Pennsylvania Department of Education, served on the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, and was a school board member in Lancaster. Schott is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and Harvard University.
“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,” said Marten. “I’m grateful so many national and regional leaders are prepared to support our efforts by bringing their experience to the First State.”
Carter began her new role this week, while Schott started last month.