PGCPS Chief Search Committee Takes Feedback

Local residents, union representatives and elected officials presented a long list of qualities they wanted to see in the next head of the Prince George's County public school system. Their comments were delivered in an open forum "listening session" held Wednesday afternoon by the three person committee charged with recommending a slate of candidates who will then compete to be appointed by County Executive Rushern Baker as a new title equivalent to a school system superintendent.

One common refrain among participants in the forum was a desire for a superintendent who will be able to guide the school system as it goes through an administrative overhaul which gives the county executive and county council more control over the school board. 

Del. Alonzo Washington (D-District 22) urged the search committee to find candidates who would be able to stand up to political pressures. 

"I want him to say no to me because he's concerned with our school system and not my parochial interests," said Washington. 

"We need a superintendent who is well versed in organizational change management," said Tonya Lawrence, President of the Oxon Hill Parent-Teacher Student Association. 

Lawrence pressed for a schools chief who can "change the culture of the school system so it's more positive and more conducive to increasing educational opportunities for our children."

Cornell Reed, president of the Prince George's County school system's SEIU custodial staff union since 1979, noted that the county has seen six superintendents come and go within the last 10 years. 

"I certainly hope that this time, you will be able to pick someone for the school system who will give it the time to move it forward," said Reed. 

Juanita Miller, chair of the Prince George's County NAACP's education committee pressed the selection committee to seriously consider recommending a candidate who has experience working in the local school system.

"Prince George's County has the talent within the system that can perform the duties of superintendent," said Miller.

The chair of the search committee, Dr. Charlene Dukes, who also serves at the chair of the Maryland State Board of Education, said that her committee was trying to balance the urgency of finding a new schools chief in a timely manner, and the need to take time to find the ideal candidate. 

"We will not move so quickly that we will not give all of this, certainly, its appropriate time and attention," said Dukes. 

Yesterday's forum was the first of two listening sessions which the search committee has so far scheduled. The second forum will be held via telephone conference call on June 10. Dial-in information about the conference call is expected to be released soon, according to Scott Peterson, spokesperson for County Executive Rushern Baker.