Baltimore County Public Schools

Advancing excellence together

The Board of Education of Baltimore County is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. William Heiser as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, contingent upon final contract negotiations for employment. Dr. Heiser, who was selected following a nationwide search facilitated by executive search firm Ray and Associates, has received approval by State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright, as required by Maryland law.

The Board will meet in person on Wednesday, June 24, at 6:30 p.m. to formally appoint Dr. Heiser.

Read the press release

The Board of Education of Baltimore County is conducting a search for the next superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools.   Executive search firm Ray and Associates LLC is coordinating efforts to find a new superintendent for BCPS by July 1, 2026. 

The search firm will assist with facilitating the process for community input and engagement; identifying the desired qualifications and characteristics of the next superintendent; identifying and fielding a pool of highly qualified candidates; coordinating the interview process; working with the Board to narrow down the field of candidates; and advising the Board on an appropriate compensation package. 

Read the press release
Ray and Associates Executive Search Firm Contract 

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Announcement of Vacancy

The Board of Education has announced the names of four finalists for the position of superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools. The finalists are: Dr. William Heiser, chief operating officer, Anne Arundel County Public Schools; Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox, superintendent, Raytown C-2 School District; Dr. Edward Ryans, associate superintendent for high schools and non-traditional programs, Prince George's County Public Schools; and Dr. David Sovine, superintendent, Washington County Public Schools.

2026-06-12 - Superintendent candidates announced PR

Superintendent Finalists Surveys

Dr. William Heiser
Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox
Dr. Edward Ryans
Dr. David Sovine

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Board of Education will hold final interviews for the superintendent candidates. In addition to representatives from the unions, school system-affiliated groups, and students, Ray & Associates will randomly select 15 individual community members to participate. Interested Baltimore County residents may register beginning Monday, June 8, through 3 p.m. on Monday, June 15. A confirmation will be sent to those selected and not selected for the panel. Only one registration per person will be accepted.

Registration to participate will be through an online registration form.

Members of the BCPS community are invited to attend a town hall meeting with the superintendent finalists. During the event, representatives from the executive search firm Ray and Associates will ask the finalists questions on a range of topics based on the educational priorities and leadership qualities stakeholders identified in the May 2026 survey and during the community forums held last month. This event will provide Team BCPS an opportunity to hear directly from the finalists and learn more about their backgrounds and visions for Baltimore County Public Schools. The town hall will be livestreamed and recorded. The Board plans to announce the names of the finalists by June 15, 2026.

Town Hall with Superintendent Finalists

Tuesday, June 16
6:30 p.m.
George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
938 York Rd.
Towson, MD 21204