By Odell B. Ruffin
William R. Hite, Jr. gives his first speech as Superintendent of Schools / Photo: www1.pgcps.org
In the hope of securing stable leadership and advancing the educational achievement of the county students, William R. Hite Jr., was named superintendent of Prince George’s County Schools after a unanimous vote by the board of education earlier this month.
“I am honored to receive the trust of the board of education,” Hite said. “Together, we will make decisions based on equity and the shared goal of preparing all students to graduate ready for success in college and careers.”
The decision came after months of numerous meetings with the community, teachers, staff, and local leaders to ensure the new superintendent was well qualified to lead the state’s second largest school district. The county’s school system is the 18th largest in the nation, with an enrollment of more than 134,000 students.
Hite (right) with board Chairwoman Verjeana M. Jacobs and Vice Chair Ron L. Watson. / Photo: www1.pgcps.org
“There is no question he is the right person for our school system,” said board Chairwoman Verjeana M. Jacobs. “I believe he has shown the commitment by working vigorously in the community.”
Hite is no stranger to the inner workings of county schools. He served as deputy to former superintendent John E. Deasy who departed in February to become deputy director of education for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
“Our main concern is getting an individual that will share our vision and at the same time be a qualified effective leader for the school system,” said Thomas Brown Sr. of District Heights.
During his tenure in the district, Hite also served as chief of staff for county schools. Prior to arriving in Prince George’s, he was the area assistant superintendent for the Cobb County School District in Atlanta. In that role, he supervised 15 high schools, middle and elementary school principals, and was responsible for the instructional program for more than 18,000 students according to the Board Superintendents Academy. (The Los Angeles-based academy is run like an executive leadership program, and is geared to school officials who wish to improve academic performance in urban school districts.)
Hite connecting with County students. / Photo: www1.pgcps.org
The school board’s selection of Hite was based upon securing consistent leadership and driving the district’s continued commitment to close the achievement gap among the county’s students, school officials said.
“I believe a good superintendent must have the capacity to encourage change and hold teachers and administrators responsible for closing ethnic and income achievement gaps,” Hite said.
Hite’s first days at the helm have been met with controversy. While interim chief, he advised the board on reductions to the district’s $1.6 billion annual budget. The move would result in the elimination of 900 positions as well as the closing of some schools.
Hite at Marlton Elementary School, Upper Marlboro, Md. / Photo: www1.pgcps.org
Schools slated for closure include: G. Gardner Shurgart Middle and Middleton Valley Elementary in Temple Hills; Matthew Henson Elementary and John Carroll Elementary in Landover; John E. Howard Elementary in Capitol Heights; Berkshire Elementary in District Heights; Morningside Elementary in Suitland; and Owens Road Elementary in Oxon Hill.
Also, the following schools are slated to merge: Henry G. Ferguson Elementary and Eugene Burroughs Middle in Accokeek; Andrew Jackson Middle and Samuel Massie Elementary in Forestville. Additionally, William W Hall Elementary in Capitol Heights is scheduled to become pre-kindergarten to eighth grade and Benjamin Foulois Elementary in Suitland will become a kindergarten to eighth grade with an arts program.
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