Board of Education Begins National Search for Next MCPS Superintendent; Hosts Forums

The Montgomery County Board of Education recently launched a nationwide search for the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), who will assume the role on July 1, 2024. In its commitment to secure the best candidate to lead the school system and prepare students for success in college, career and community, the Board will hire a search firm to recruit and vet the candidates. While the Board selects the firm, it will begin a conversation with the community about the most important characteristics in a new superintendent.

To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive search, the Board is moving ahead with seeking input from stakeholders in Montgomery County. The input gathered and the Board’s core values and strategic priorities will inform candidate selection. The vital characteristics of the next superintendent will be collected through multiple channels.

• A website has been launched to provide information about the search process. The website features a feedback form, allowing users to express their priorities regarding the next superintendent. 
• A comprehensive survey will be available to students, staff and the community to further identify the desired characteristics of the next superintendent. 
• The Board is hosting three in-person town halls the first week of April.

• April 2, 2024–Seneca Valley High School, 6:00 p.m.

• April 3, 2024–Richard Montgomery High School, 6:00 p.m.

• April 4, 2024–Wheaton High School, 6:00 p.m.

• A virtual forum is being planned. A date and time have not yet been finalized.

Additional community engagement efforts will include interviews with key community leaders and focus groups with various community partners. This comprehensive approach will inform the national search for highly qualified candidates for the superintendent position.

The superintendent search is being conducted in three phases.

• Phase I involves a collection of information from students, staff, community partners and county leaders to develop the leadership profile.
• Phase II will consist of a national search, during which qualified candidates will be identified by the Board of Education for initial interviews based on the leadership profile. To ensure a broad search and encourage applications from highly qualified candidates who are very likely currently serving as superintendents elsewhere, the identities of any candidates under consideration will remain confidential.
• Phase III will entail the identification of final candidates who will undergo second interviews with the Board of Education and a representative community panel, leading to the selection and announcement of the final appointee.

Important Note: The decision to select a superintendent is the most important responsibility of the Board of Education and it is the Board’s priority to identify a highly qualified candidate. The Board is fully committed to conducting a thorough search until they find a suitable candidate who meets its leadership profile. Watch a video from Board President Karla Silvestre.

"The significance of the superintendent search process cannot be understated,” said Karla Silvestre, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education. “It is crucial that we secure a highly qualified superintendent who shares our commitment to student success and who will work tirelessly toward that end. I urge all members of our community to participate in the public engagement process, to ensure that their voices are heard and that we select a superintendent who reflects the values and priorities of our diverse community." 

By Maryland state law, county school superintendent appointments must be finalized by July 1 for Maryland State Department of Education approval and appointment for the upcoming school year.