Schools

Timeline For Superintendent Search Released By Anne Arundel School Board

Anne Arundel County is looking for a new superintendent. The school board released a timeline to update families on the process.

On Feb. 7, the Anne Arundel County Board of Education released a timeline on its superintendent search. The board did not renew the contract of George Arlooto, the current superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. A stock photo is shown above.
On Feb. 7, the Anne Arundel County Board of Education released a timeline on its superintendent search. The board did not renew the contract of George Arlooto, the current superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. A stock photo is shown above. (Jacob Baumgart/Patch)

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The Anne Arundel County Board of Education released a timeline on its superintendent search earlier this month. Current Superintendent George Arlotto announced in December 2021 that the school board did not offer him a third contract.

By state law, a new or interim superintendent must start on July 1. That's the beginning of the next fiscal year for Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

The Board Of Education recently launched a committee to lead the search for Arlotto's replacement. Board Member Corine Frank is the chair. Fellow board members Dana Schallheim, Gloria Dent and Melissa Ellis are also on the committee.

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The school board is now looking for a consulting firm to assist its search. On Jan. 14, the board issued a Request for Proposal seeking these consultant services.

That document is posted here. Responses were due last Thursday.

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"More specific information as to the timeline will be released once a consultant is selected," the Board of Education said in a Feb. 7 press release announcing its preliminary plans. "The Board will also collaborate with the firm to create a process for stakeholder input. The Board will consider that input as it selects and interviews candidates."

Additional details are available at aacps.org/superintendentsearch. The school system will update that webpage as developments happen.

"I have every intention to continue my work on behalf of our students and school system until my contract expires," Arlotto wrote in a Dec. 2, 2021 letter to AACPS families and employees. "I wish our Board, our awesome staff, our families, and the Anne Arundel community only the best as you move forward, collectively, to support, nurture, and love our students."

The school board first appointed Arlotto to a four-year term on July 1, 2014. He started a second term on July 1, 2018.

Arlotto joined AACPS in 2006 after working as a teacher and a high school administrator in Virginia, the District of Columbia and Montgomery County. He was a member of the superintendent’s senior and executive staffs from 2006 through June 2014. In that time, Arlotto served as:

  • Director of high schools
  • Chief school performance officer
  • Assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and school performance
  • Associate superintendent
  • Chief of staff

"While I may not know where life’s journey will take me next, I am certain that AACPS will continue to thrive," Arlotto said. "As a school system focused on the needs of students, orchestrated by thoughtful, caring, compassionate, talented and professional educators and staff, our students will continue to grow and succeed."

The superintendent was proud to work with a dedicated school system. In particular, Arlotto applauded his workers' innovation during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Over the course of this extended and exhaustive time, they have repeatedly reinvented the education being delivered in our classrooms and the supports we have provided to students," the superintendent said. "Their heart and resolve has been unparalleled."

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman thanked Arlotto for his work and wished AACPS luck in its hunt for a new leader.

"Dr. Arlotto is a consummate professional with a huge heart and an unwavering commitment to children and education," Pittman said in a press release. "I am confident that Dr. Arlotto will facilitate a smooth transition, and that the Board of Education will choose wisely after a careful search for the superintendent who will lead us into the future."


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