County Executive seeks applicatio​ns for Board of Education appointmen​ts

By Rushern L. Baker, III, County Executive

Recently, Governor O'Malley signed into law the Maryland House of Delegates Bill 1107 (HB 1107).  HB 1107 enables the County Executive to select the next Superintendent, who upon passage of this legislation, is now referred to as the Chief Executive Officer of the Prince George's County Public Schools.  The legislation also grants the County Executive authority to select the Chair and Vice Chair and appoint three new members to the Board of Education, while the County Council will have the ability to appoint one member.  

Residents who are interested in serving as appointed members of the Prince George's County Board of Education may submit an application.  The appointees, who must be County residents, will serve four-year terms.  Applications are available here on the County's website, in public libraries and at the County Administration Building upon request.  Applications should be emailed to educationboard@co.pg.md.us or mailed/delivered to the Office of the County Executive, County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772-3050.  All applications must be postmarked or date stamped by Friday, May 10, 2013. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The quality and reputation of a public school system is the "calling card" of any jurisdiction.  It is the reason why citizens and businesses decide to locate or remain in our County.  We must all work together and be laser focused on successful outcomes for our students.  I have been encouraged by the number of citizens who have voiced their opinions and ideas during our recent discussions and dialogues on school governance.  I hope that you will continue to be actively engaged in the future of public education in Prince George's County. Please feel free to write us at countyexecutive@co.pg.md.us or call 3-1-1 anytime with any questions, concerns, or ideas regarding school governance or any other issues you may have.

Board of Education to host meet and greet with superintendent candidates

The Prince George’s County Board of Education will provide the public with an opportunity to meet the three finalists for Superintendent of Prince George’s County Schools (PGCPS). The forum will be held on Tuesday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Sasscer Administration Building, 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro.

The forum will be divided into three 45 minute time slots: 

• Dr. Eric J. Becoats, Superintendent of Schools, Durham Public Schools, 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. 
• Dr. Alvin L. Crawley, Interim Superintendent of Schools, PGCPS, 7:00 to 7:45 p.m.
• Mr. Harrison A. Peters, Chief of Schools, Chicago Public Schools, 8:00 to 8:45 p.m.

The public will have an opportunity to ask each candidate questions and hear their vision for the school district. The public forums will be shown live via Comcast Channel 96 and Verizon Channel 38; and http://www1.pgcps.org/tv96/. 

During the past several months, the Board has engaged the public in numerous community forums and town hall meetings related to the superintendent search. Additionally, the Board received thousands of responses to its superintendent search survey. The Board is expected to announce the new superintendent before July 1.