Interim Superintendent to Stay for Another Year

By Ketki Chauhan ’16

Despite the county’s efforts at appointing a new superintendent by July 1, the Board of Education has decided to continue interim superintendent Larry Bower’s term for another year. Bowers was set to retire on June 30, but due to requests made by board members, he has chosen to continue serving the school system.

The Board of Education had chosen a “preferred” candidate, Andrew Houlihan, who is the chief academic officer of the Houston Independent School District. Just three days after his name had been made public as the preferred candidate, Houlihan withdrew his candidacy. Houlihan had been interviewed by representatives from 17 countywide organizations, and some raised questions about his aptitude for the job since he has no previous experience as a superintendent. Houlihan’s withdrawal prompted principals to request Bowers continue as interim superintendent.

The search has certainly met with obstacles and criticism. Some have expressed concern over keeping Bowers as superintendent. A member of the Parents’ Coalition of Montgomery County believes that short-term employees, including an interim superintendent, may not fully commit to their job. Others have expressed concern over the way the search has been done. Debate has arisen over whether or not the finalists’ name should be confidential or be made public. Board member Michael Durso stated that publicizing the names and providing greater transparency to the process could jeopardize the process. However, others like Jeanette Dixon, a former principal of Paint Branch, advocated for openness.

The Washington Post wrote an editorial on May 19 criticizing the Board of Education for leaving many questions unanswered, including why former superintendent Joshua Starr left. The editorial questions whether or not an interim superintendent will be effective managing school funding cuts made by Governor Larry Hogan.

Nonetheless, the Board of Education has chosen to continue with Bowers while it continues its search. After spending $38,000 on the nationwide search with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, the school system will not have to renew a contract with the company.

Starr, however, has landed a new job. He will be serving as the CEO of PDK International, an Arlington-based organization that provides opportunities for learning, networking and research for educators.