Weast named Maryland Superintendent of the Year

Montgomery County Public Schools' Superintendent Dr. Jerry Weast has been named state Superintendent of the Year.

The Public School Superintendents' Association of Maryland (PSSA) chose Weast out of the 24 Maryland superintendents to receive the honor of Thursday, October 30. He was picked because of his achievements in increasing academic opportunities for the students of Montgomery County, according to a press release from MCPS. The PSSA specifically recognized Weast's work in securing funds for MCPS during economic downturns and helping low-income and non-English speaking students.

"Dr. Weast's contributions to public education not only benefit Montgomery County and the state of Maryland, but also serve as an example for educational leadership for our nation," said several top elected officials of Montgomery County in a joint letter of endorsement for the superintendent. Weast is one of the only superintendents to be named Superintendent of the Year in two states - Maryland and North Carolina.

Since his hiring in 1999 and unanimous reappointment in 2003, Weast has initiated many sweeping reforms of curriculum and organization, including more rigorous coursework in elementary, middle and high school, expanded all-day kindergarten, and higher accountability standards for teachers and administrators.

In a public statement after receiving the award, Weast said, "I greatly appreciate the support I have received in Montgomery County, and all of my efforts have depended on the teamwork of a great many people. The great strength of Montgomery County is the depth of collaboration among caring and committed individuals whose only aim is to improve the education of children."