Prince George’s County Schools Launch National Search for Superintendent and Treasurer

Prince George’s County Public Schools opened a national search on February 9, 2026 for a permanent Superintendent of Schools who will also serve as Treasurer of the Board of Education. The County Executive and the Board of Education have partnered with POLIHIRE to recruit candidates, a move that puts fiscal oversight and instructional leadership at the center of the hiring process.

Applicants must submit two PDFs - a letter of interest and a resume - by email to PGCPS_Superintendent@polihire.com, placing only the applicant’s name (Last, First) in the subject line. The posting lists preferred qualifications including a master’s degree or higher in education or a related field, a Ph.D. or Ed.D. preferred, significant PK-12 leadership experience, and at least five years as a superintendent or senior executive in a large school system. Candidates must be eligible for Maryland Superintendent II certification and meet Maryland appointment and background requirements.

The search follows a leadership transition. County Executive-elect Aisha Braveboy announced on June 13, 2025 that Shawn Joseph, Ed.D., would serve as Interim Superintendent after the Board and Superintendent Millard House II agreed to separate effective June 18, 2025. The interim appointment is a one-year contract through June 2026. Joseph served as PGCPS deputy superintendent for teaching and learning from 2014 to 2016 and was co-director of the AASA/Howard University Urban Superintendents Academy at the time of his selection. Joseph said, “I’m honored by this appointment from County Executive-elect Braveboy and I look forward to working with the PGCPS Board of Education to ensure that every student, no matter their zip code, has access to a world-class education.” Braveboy emphasized the need for momentum, saying, “Moving swiftly and decisively now is critical to ensuring forward momentum in our public schools.” County Council Chair Edward Burroughs III added, “Dr. Joseph returns to PGCPS with a unique leadership perspective as well as a clear understanding of the school system’s strengths and challenges.”

Legally, the permanent selection will follow Maryland Education Article § 4-201.1. PGCPS materials note that Maryland law anticipates July 1 as the typical start date for a superintendent and that the Board plans an inclusive search process with input from parents, students, educators, and the broader community. The district has published Frequently Asked Questions explaining the departure of Millard House II as a mutual agreement and why an external interim was chosen to provide independence and fresh perspective.

The fiscal stakes are notable. Interim Superintendent Joseph’s public updates list actions including settlement of three union contracts, 20 listening sessions, new data dashboards, and plans to address a $30-$50 million structural deficit. Those figures, combined with the Treasurer role attached to the superintendent post, signal that the next permanent hire will need both instructional credibility and strong fiscal management skills. County Council engagement over the new county budget suggests the superintendent choice could affect local spending priorities and school resource allocation in the coming fiscal year.

For residents, the immediate implications are clear: the interim administration will steer operations through June 2026 while a national search proceeds, and community input is expected to shape the candidate pool. Interested applicants should follow the POLIHIRE submission instructions, and community members should watch the Board and County Executive announcements for public engagement opportunities and timelines for finalists.