Superintendent Search Officially Begins

The Board of Education of Charles County is advertising for candidates to apply to be the next superintendent of Charles County Public Schools.

Ads have been placed nationally and locally, and the application, qualifications and minimum salary can be found on the Charles County Public Schools website at www.ccboe.com on the “Superintendent Search” link. The Board, after reviewing public input provided at seven community forums, developed a set of six statements defining the qualifications and characteristics they want in a superintendent. The statements include qualities such as an innovative, energetic visionary; a passionate advocate for children; consensus builder; experienced instructional leader; and an experienced, decisive administrator. More details are included in the brochure posted on the website.

“The Board is pleased with the completion of the community input phase that culminated in the development of the characteristics being sought in the new superintendent. The Board is now moving to the application process, which begins the search to replace Superintendent James Richmond, who is retiring June 30 after 44 years of service to Charles County Public Schools, with the last 17 years being served as Superintendent of Schools,” Board Chairman Roberta Wise said.

Qualifications for preferred candidates include: Maryland certification required; doctorate preferred; and at least five years administrative/executive level experience in public education. Minimum salary is $200,000. The amount of the offer will depend on the qualifications of the selected applicant.

The Charles County Board hired the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) as a consultant for the superintendent search process. MABE is accepting all applications and questions from applicants about the position. Prospective applicants may call MABE at 410-841-5414. The Board of Education will not be accepting applications or contacts directly; all applications and questions must be submitted to MABE. Applications for the position are on the Charles County Public Schools website and MABE’s website at www.mabe.org.

Application reviews will begin Dec. 17 with interviews for invited candidates taking place in February and March. “The Board plans to name a successor in April so the transition in leadership can move forward smoothly,” Wise said.

“Mr. Richmond is leaving the school system in excellent condition. His is a leader in the state,” Wise said. “Through the public forums, we learned our stakeholders –our students, staff, parents, and community – want us to find someone who can implement strategies to promote continued academic growth.  We want a leader who will continue the tradition of personal leadership by measuring success one student at a time,” Wise said.