Superintendent Hiring Process Underway For Prince George's Schools

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Potential candidates for superintendent of Prince George's County Public Schools have three weeks to submit an application as part of the four-phase recruitment and hiring process.

The PGCPS Superintendent Search Committee said state law requires the search committee to include a State Board of Education member appointed by the state superintendent and two residents of Prince George’s County appointed by the governor. The state superintendent selects the chair from the three search committee members. The search committee is chaired by Dr. James C. Bell Jr., and consists of members and Prince George’s County residents Jennifer Avelar and Gordon L. Sampson. Others involved include Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy, Prince George’s County Board of Education and State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright.

“We remain committed to a transparent, inclusive, and thoughtful process. Over the coming weeks, committee members will carefully assess each applicant’s qualifications, leadership experience and vision for advancing student achievement and supporting our educators and school communities,” Bell said in a statement. “The committee will keep the Prince George’s County Public Schools community informed as we move forward. Our goal is to recommend highly-qualified candidates who will lead Prince George’s County Public Schools into its next chapter of excellence.”

PoliHire, an executive search firm, is conducting a national recruitment and community engagement effort in partnership with Braveboy and the Prince George’s County Board of Education. A community survey about school system perspectives and qualities needed in the next superintendent closed March 27. Approximately 8,600 individuals have responded since the survey opened in February. The search firm has also engaged constituency groups in Prince George’s County to solicit feedback for the development of a leadership profile.

Applications for superintendent are due April 22. The search committee will work with PoliHire to screen applicants, conduct required background checks and interview candidates in early May before recommending three finalists to Braveboy by May 8.

Following the search committee’s recommendations, Braveboy then will select a candidate for appointment to a four-year term. The Prince George’s County Board of Education will complete the appointment, followed by final approval from Wright.

By state law, the county executive must select a superintendent by June 1 and the Prince George’s County school board must complete the appointment on or before June 30.