MCPS Chooses New Superintendent

Montgomery County Public Schools has selected Dr. Joshua P. Starr as its candidate for Superintendent.

Starr is currently the Superintendent in the Stamford, Connecticut school system.

Pending final negotiations and approval by the State superintendent of schools, Starr would replace retiring Superintendent Dr. Jerry Weast.

Starr began his teaching career as a special education teacher in the New York City school system, and eventually earned a doctorate in administration and social policy from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

“The contexts of Stamford and Montgomery County are very similar and I look forward to working with the Board, staff and community to build on the great strengths of MCPS,” said Dr. Starr in a statement. “Montgomery County has shown the nation that it is possible to raise academic standards and enable all children to achieve them. By engendering a culture that rests in the belief that all children have unlimited potential, ensuring a systematic focus on great instruction, and establishing processes and structures that support adult learning and development, MCPS has changed the conversation of what is possible in urban public education.”

The County School Board voted unanimously today to approve Starr.

“Dr. Starr comes to Montgomery County with impressive credentials and skill sets to lead MCPS in times of incredible challenges and opportunities. He comes to us with a deep commitment to openness and is eager to work collaboratively in the best interest of all students,” said Board President Christopher Barclay. “The Board looks forward with great excitement to working with Dr. Starr in building upon the impressive successes that MCPS has garnered over the past twelve years under the leadership of Dr. Jerry D. Weast.“