News Summary
Dr. Shawn Joseph has been appointed as the new Interim Superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools, amid mixed reactions due to past controversies. Joseph, who previously served in a similar role, aims to improve school safety, staffing, and engage families actively in the educational process as he navigates through the district’s challenges. Local leaders express hope for his experience to foster equity and improved outcomes as the search for a permanent superintendent continues.
Prince George’s County, Maryland – Dr. Shawn Joseph has been named the new Interim Superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools, as announced on Friday. This leadership change comes amid criticism over Joseph’s past practices and controversies during his previous tenure in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Joseph previously held the position of Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning in Prince George’s County from 2014 to 2016. His reappointment is coupled with mixed reactions, notably from Amy Frogge, a former Metro Nashville School Board member. Initially an advocate for Joseph, Frogge became a vocal critic following her concerns about his leadership during their collaborative experience in Nashville. Previously, a non-disparagement clause related to a severance agreement restricted Frogge and others from publicly criticizing Joseph; however, a Davidson County judge invalidated this clause in September 2020, enabling them to voice their concerns.
During Joseph’s time in Nashville, employees reported dissatisfaction with financial management and raised moral issues within the district. Specific allegations surfaced regarding improper handling of sexual harassment reports, including a notable case involving Executive Lead Principal Vanessa Garcia, which resulted in a significant settlement of $1.2 million. Although Joseph expressed his commitment to addressing these issues, he placed blame on a human resources administrator during a March 2019 meeting. In November 2019, Joseph chose to voluntarily surrender his educator license without admitting any wrongdoing.
Joseph has also faced scrutiny regarding his associations with Performance Matters, a company that develops student data tracking software, which raised conflict of interest concerns. Following a tumultuous period, he resigned from his position in Nashville after his contract was bought out for over $250,000.
Now, in his role as Interim Superintendent, Joseph aims to focus on enhancing the educational experience for students in Prince George’s County. His immediate priorities center around improving school safety, staffing issues, transportation challenges, and overall academic performance. He plans to establish a stronger partnership with parents and emphasizes the necessity for schools to engage families actively in the educational process. Joseph recognizes the urgency of achieving quick wins in order to build trust and confidence within the community, identifying various areas requiring immediate attention over the coming year.
Dr. Joseph is being contracted for one year, while a national search is underway for a permanent superintendent. Local leaders, including Ed Burroughs, the current Prince George’s County Council Chairman, express optimism that Joseph’s experience can foster enhanced equity and improved educational outcomes for students in the district. Furthermore, community feedback reflects a strong desire for consistent and effective leadership that is responsive to the needs of students and schools.
Dr. Joseph’s previous experience includes serving as an assistant professor at Howard University and co-director of its Urban Superintendents Academy. As the school district looks to navigate this transitional phase, stakeholders remain hopeful that Joseph can lead with a focus on positive change and community engagement.
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New Interim Superintendent Appointed for Schools
Additional Resources
- WJLA: Shawn Joseph Named Interim Superintendent
- Washington Informer: Dr. Shawn Joseph Overview
- NBC Washington: Controversy Surrounding Interim Superintendent
- Fox 5 DC: Parents React to New Superintendent
- Google Search: Shawn Joseph Interim Superintendent
Author: HERE Nashville
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