HCPSS Superintendent Martirano Announces January Retirement After 7 Years At The Helm

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — After seven years of leading the Howard County Public School System, superintendent Michael J. Martirano will retire Jan. 10, 2024.

Martirano started his educational career as a science and mathematics teacher at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Prince George’s County. He served as a teacher, teacher specialist, assistant principal and principal in Prince George’s County before transitioning to Montgomery County and serving in several roles there.

In 2002, he was hired in Howard County as the director of school administration and served in that role until 2005 when he was named the superintendent of schools for St. Mary’s County Public Schools. In 2014, he was hired as the state superintendent of schools for the West Virginia Department of Education.

"It was with great pleasure that I made my way back to Howard County in May 2017 ... I have lived in Howard County for 25 years, my wife and I raised our three children here, and it is a place I call home," Martirano said in a letter addressing the Howard County Board of Education. "The students, teachers, staff and others I have had the privilege of engaging with each day has made this part of my life and career in education a true highlight. As I look to the future for the Howard County Public School System, I see great things ahead. We have tremendous leadership throughout the organization, the very best educators in the state of Maryland, and a community that embraces education and prioritizes it in ways that most counties in the nation do not. In my time serving the students, staff and families in Howard County, I believe we have made great strides that will ensure the district is in a great place for this transition of leadership."

The education board described Martirano as possessing an "unwavering dedication and commitment" to the school district.

"He inherited a system in chaos and led it to a place of stability and prominence. He provided critical courage, stability and adaptability in leading HCPSS throughout the COVID-19 pandemic," the board said in a press release. "Under Dr. Martirano's leadership, HCPSS has achieved numerous milestones, including eliminating its nearly $50 million health fund deficit and increasing the graduation rate of every student group since taking the helm. During his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the district's mission of providing quality education and fostering an environment conducive to the growth, development and care of students."

In the upcoming month, the board will select an interim superintendent to serve for the duration of the 2023-2024 school year. The board will start a nationwide search for a permanent superintendent immediately.

"I will continue to work tirelessly in my remaining days to carry out the requisite work on behalf of our students and it is my hope to interact with as many of you as I can before my last day," Martirano said. "What will remain with me forever is how grateful I am for all the school system teachers and staff who have continually led with kindness and compassion throughout my tenure and are driven to always do right by children. The interactions I have daily demonstrate this impact and the strong foundation I will be leaving behind. My heart is full of gratitude. Simply put, thank you for the opportunity to serve with you as the superintendent for the Howard County Public School System. It has been a distinct honor and for that I am thankful. I wish nothing but goodness for everyone."

A farewell event in honor of Martirano will be organized in the near term.

"Dr. Martirano has been an exceptional leader and we are profoundly grateful for his endless energy and tireless dedication to the students, staff and community of HCPSS. His impact on education in our district is immeasurable and he will be sincerely missed. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement," said Howard County Board of Education Chair, Antonia Watts.