Updated at 2:29 p.m.
TOWSON, MD — Dr. William Heiser, the former chief operating officer for the Anne Arundel County Public Schools, was selected to serve as the next superintendent for the Baltimore County Public Schools system.
Heiser was named the new superintendent Monday, days after the board of education announced Saturday that it had made a decision.
“I am deeply humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve as the next superintendent of this incredible school system,” Heiser said.
“I will work diligently with the Board of Education to ensure that our system works every day to serve, support, and inspire all members of Team BCPS and keep students at the forefront of all that we do. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to continue to build on the outstanding work that has been accomplished under Dr. Rogers’ leadership, and I am confident that, working together, we will take this system to the next level.”
Before Heiser could be officially named in the posting, approval was first needed from Dr. Carey Wright, the Maryland state superintendent.
The final hurdle for the posting will now be negotiations for Heiser's contract.
Jane Lichter, chair of the Baltimore County Board of Education, said in a statement that the board believes Heiser's leadership and vision will serve the students, staff, and families of Team BCPS well.”
Heiser was facing off against three other candidates, who included:
Heiser is expected to be officially appointed to the post on Wednesday, with the change taking effect July 1.
The opening for the superintendent role was announced in February, when current superintendent Myriam Rogers said she would be retiring.
BCPS has more than 100,000 students enrolled across its school district.
Heiser's educational career goes back decades.
Having earned degrees from Loyola University Maryland and Morgan State University, Heiser served as principal at three high schools in the state. In fact, he won the Maryland High School Principal of the Year Award in 2013.
He served as principal at the following schools:
Heiser later went on to serve as the operating officer for the Anne Arundel County Public Schools, where he oversaw the county's redistricting effort, $195 million capital budget, and construction projects.
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