Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Superintendent Appointment.pdf
Preguntas frecuentes (FAQs) sobre el nombramiento de superintendente.pdf
What led to the departure of Superintendent Millard House II?
The departure was a mutual agreement to separate the employment relationship between the Board of Education and Superintendent House.
Was the vote of no confidence representative of the entire staff or district?
No. While a local labor union issued a vote of no confidence, it was not initiated by the Board itself. The vote of no confidence was submitted by one local labor union. It did not reflect a system-wide vote from all unions, employees, or community members.
Who is responsible for appointing the next superintendent?
Maryland Education Article § 4‑201.1(f) states that “If a vacancy occurs in the office of county superintendent, the county board shall appoint an interim county superintendent who serves until July 1 after the interim county superintendents appointment.”
Maryland Education Article § 4‑201.1
Who has been appointed as the interim superintendent?
County Executive Aisha Braveboy announced that Dr. Shawn Joseph has been selected as Interim Superintendent of Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS).
Watch the announcement and learn more here
How will the permanent superintendent be selected?
The permanent superintendent will be selected according to the process identified in the Maryland Education Article § 4‑201.1. Additionally, the Board has been told that a national search firm will be hired to conduct the superintendent search. The County Executive has committed to an inclusive process that involves input from parents, students, educators, and the broader community.
How can families and community members be involved in the selection process?
The County Executive has publicly committed to transparent and inclusive engagement. Families and stakeholders will have opportunities to share their voices throughout the permanent superintendent selection process. The community is always welcome to have their voices heard, to learn how to participate in a Board Meeting or Public Hearing, please click this link.
How to Participate in a Board Meeting or Public Hearing
What steps are being taken to ensure leadership stability during this transition?
The Board of Education has committed to holding interim leadership accountable for ensuring continuity and consistency in the school system during the transition. Stability remains a top priority for student and staff success.
How is the Board working to rebuild trust and transparency with the community?
The Board Chair is leading a process to develop a comprehensive plan to restore trust and increase transparency. In addition, each District's Board Member is personally committed to ongoing engagement and communication with the community.
Why weren't there three public candidates for Superintendent?
The Board of Education fully expects the County Executive to proceed with the process outlined in §4–201.1 to select the permanent Superintendent. Dr. Joseph was selected appropriately as the Interim Superintendent through June 30, 2026. The process for appointing a superintendent is managed by the County Executive. While community input is encouraged, the final selection process does not always involve multiple public finalists. This is at the discretion of the County Executive and the selected search process.
It was stated that a full financial review was completed. What does that entail? And who conducted it?
A full financial review and background check were completed on Dr. Shawn Joseph in compliance with state regulations. The reports “highlight and clarify red flags and significant subtleties regarding credentials, character and past behavior, which can be critical distinguishing factors at the executive level.” An impartial third-party company conducted the executive due diligence search and provided results from the financial review and the background check, which both came back clean.
What is the impact on schools and scholars if a superintendent wasn't voted on at the June 26 meeting?
Delays in appointing a superintendent could have affected leadership planning, continuity, and the timely execution of educational priorities. The vote ensured leadership was in place for the new school year.
Legally, how can the superintendent be voted on by the Board when he was appointed by a County Executive-elect?
The process for filling the vacancy includes the County Executive selecting a candidate and the Board appointing the superintendent. The Board appointed the Superintendent selected by the County Executive, even if only the announcement of the candidate to be selected is made before the County Executive's term.
What drove the timeline of a one-year contract vs an 'up to a year' verbiage?
Maryland Law anticipates July 1 as the starting date for the Superintendent, and the law is structured for closure of a Superintendent's position to occur on or about June 30th, and the transition/beginning to occur on July 1. The one-year contract (through June 2026) aligns with the typical interim superintendent period of employment.
Why wasn't an interim from PGCPS Administration chosen as an Interim Superintendent to give more time for decision- making?
Selecting an external interim like Dr. Joseph-rather than an internal administrator-may reflect priorities such as independence, proven leadership experience, and neutrality. It also provides a fresh perspective during the transition. The County Executive likely made this strategic choice for these reasons.
What was the joint statement made by the Interim Superintendent, the County Executive, and the Board Chair?
“In Prince George's County, we do not wait for hope - We create it. We do not watch change - We lead it. And we do not walk alone-we rise together.” - Dr. Shawn Joseph, Branndon Jackson, Aisha Braveboy
Watch the entire Press Conference: Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph Previews Priorities for First 100 Days held on June 27, 2025.
