New Superintendent At BCPS Named

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A new superintendent has been named for Baltimore County Public Schools. He will start on July 1.

Dr. Darryl Williams will be the next superintendent of the school system, which is the 25th largest in the United States, the Baltimore County Board of Education voted on Tuesday, May 21.

Williams said that he was honored and looking forward to serving students, leaders, staff and communities.

"We have to continue to move our district in a positive direction and listen to stakeholders and students about our successes and areas of improvement and make necessary changes," Williams said. "I will focus on the needs of our students and staff and work to maintain a positive and effective learning environment for all."

Said Williams: "Our students come first, and our work as a unified team will positively impact the lives of the students in BCPS."

Williams comes to Baltimore County Public Schools from Montgomery County Public Schools, where is currently an area superintendent. Before that, he was an associate superintendent, after having led three separate schools as principal in Montgomery County.

"Baltimore County is getting a smart, committed professional in Dr. Darryl L. Williams," Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jack Smith said in a statement. "Dr. Williams understands the importance of team work in the critical effort to reach all students."

Williams has a bachelor of science in mathematics from Hampton University in Virginia; a master's degree in educational administration from American University in Washington, D.C.; and a doctor of education in educational leadership and administration from the University of Maryland College Park.

A native Washingtonian, Williams was a member of the first graduating class at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in 1984, where his teaching career began as a mathematics teacher from 1988 to 1994. He left DC Public Schools in 1994 to start a career in Montgomery County Public Schools.

Williams lives with wife Shellie Bronson Williams and their three children — Lauren Williams, Darryl Williams II and Sydni Williams — in Howard County.

"Dr. Williams comes to Baltimore County highly recommended and with a solid and lengthy track record of success for students in Montgomery County Public Schools. His focus on supporting all students, in every school, gives us every confidence in his ability to deliver outstanding results for Baltimore County," Baltimore County Board of Education Chair Kathleen Causey said in a statement.

Two leaders from Montgomery County Public Schools used the word "integrity" in statements about Williams provided by the Baltimore County school board.

"Dr. Darryl Williams is a great educational leader marrying integrity with professional will to support students, staff, and parents. He is a disciplined leader whose future oriented perspective and strategic thinking are foundational to long-term success. The Board of Baltimore County Public Schools has selected a leader who understands the power of strong teams and shared accountability," Montgomery County Board of Education Vice President Patricia O'Neill said.

"Dr. Darryl Williams is an exemplary educational leader of the highest integrity," Montgomery County Public Schools Associate Superintendent of School Administration Donna Hollingshead said in a statement. "He has a comprehensive understanding of district and school improvement coupled with highly positive interpersonal skills to effectively lead and collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that staff are able to do their best work for the success and benefit of all students."

There will be opportunities in the weeks ahead for the community to meet their new superintendent, according to a statement from the Baltimore County Board of Education.

The school board thanked Interim Superintendent Verletta White for her leadership since July 1, 2017.

"The Board of Education (BOE) greatly appreciates the leadership, hard work, and commitment of Interim Superintendent Verletta White," according to a statement from the Baltimore County school board. "Mrs. White was thrust into the position during a turbulent time and provided much-needed stability to Baltimore County Public Schools. We look forward to formally honoring her more than 20 years of service dedicated to educating children."