Former Montgomery Schools Head Paul Vance Dies

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Dr. Paul L. Vance, the first African-American superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, died Saturday at age 83, the school system announced.

Vance led the school system from 1991 to 1999, and is remembered for setting high expectations for all students and working to meet their individual needs and interests.

From 2003 to 2006, Vance served as the superintendent of schools for the District of Columbia Public Schools System, according to the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation. The group’s biography of Vance says he joined the Montgomery system in 1977 as an associate superintendent.

Before coming to Montgomery County, Vance was the deputy superintendent for Baltimore City Public Schools, and had earlier worked as a teacher and principal in Philadelphia.

Montgomery County Board of Education President Patricia B. O’Neill released this statement on Vance’s death:

“My Board of Education colleagues and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Paul L. Vance. We are grateful for his work as an educator, administrator, and community leader and the impact he had on generations of children in Montgomery County and throughout the region.

“From 1991 to 1999, Dr. Vance guided Montgomery County Public Schools through a tremendous period of change. Throughout his tenure, he remained focused on setting high expectations for all students while working to meet their individual needs and interests. Even after his retirement, he continued to work on behalf of students and families as a community leader, including serving as a leader of the Montgomery County NAACP and a member of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.

“Dr. Vance’s work in Montgomery County, Washington, D.C., and many other communities had a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of students and his legacy lives on in their success and achievement. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Vance’s family as they celebrate his life, his work, and his commitment to making the future better for our children.”

»Photo of Dr. Paul Vance from Montgomery County Public Schools website