Baker Gains More Control Over Schools

The search process for a new Prince George's school superintendent candidate will begin anew in the next few months, this time with county excecutive Rushern Baker at the helm.

Legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly Saturday gives Baker the authority to select the next superintendent of the county's public schools, a position that will now be called the chief executive officer. The legislation, pending Gov. Martin O'Malley's signature, goes into effect on June 1.

Under the new legislation, O’Malley will select a three-person search committee, which will then select three candidates for the school CEO position. Baker will select the new CEO from this list of finalists.

The three original finalists, who were selected by the PGCPS Board of Education, withdrew their names from the search process last week.

Although Baker’s initial proposal—which would also have given the county executive control of the school budget—was amended, he was still pleased with the legislation.

“This legislation creates an environment where the new CEO can be successful, and it is imperative that our new school leader has the support of our County leadership,” Baker said in a statement.  

In addition to selecting the CEO, the county executive will also have the authority to select both the chair and the vice chair of the board of education, and to make one appointment to the board.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Education, County Council, House and Senate Delegations, along with administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and students as we focus on improving our school system,” Baker stated.

The board has yet to comment on the passing of the legislation, but previously issued multiple statements in opposition to Baker's proposed takeover.