With A Focus On The Classroom And Our Students
By Angela Alsobrooks // Photography By Peggy Morris
REPRINTED FROM COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Dear Prince Georgians:
I am proud and excited to announce that I have selected Dr. Monica Goldson to be the permanent CEO for Prince George’s County Public Schools.
After conducting a nationwide search, our selection committee forwarded three candidates to me for consideration, one of which was Dr. Goldson. I had an opportunity to review all of the information submitted for these candidates, including public input through our public hearing and a survey. I interviewed all three candidates after reviewing this information, and while I was impressed with each, Dr. Goldson was the clear-cut choice.
Dr. Goldson, similar to myself, is a daughter of Prince George’s County. Not only did she go through our public school system, but her children are products of our public schools as well. She has spent her entire 28-year career in Prince George’s County Public Schools, rising through the ranks after beginning her career at Suitland High School. The institutional knowledge she brings is invaluable to every employee, parent and student, as she truly understands the needs of our communities.
And that has shown during her time as interim CEO. She understands that our focus needs to be on the classroom and our students. She understands that our teachers must have the resources they need to be able to do their jobs. And she understands that our students need learning environments conducive to learning; school buildings and classrooms that treat our children with the dignity and respect they deserve.
But Dr. Goldson didn’t just stop at understanding when she took over as interim CEO, she took action.
When she did a review of operating budgets and found out resources were being wasted at the top of our school system, she made several changes to get those funds out of administrative offices and into the classrooms where they belonged.
When we sat down and looked at teacher salaries and the challenges we have experienced keeping up with teacher pay around the region, Dr. Goldson came up with a plan to restore the step increases that our teachers missed out on during the recession.
And when Dr. Goldson looked at the $8.5 billion backlog in school construction and renovation that we are facing, she pushed for the innovative P3 model that is now in place for the County, allowing us to build 18 schools over the next seven years at a cost savings.
These are just some of the challenges that Dr. Goldson has already taken on during her tenure as interim CEO. I know that she will continue that work as our permanent CEO. But more than that, I know that she truly cares about each and every individual that is part of our school system.
I had the opportunity to spend the first day of school with Dr. Goldson. Our day started in the bus lot, greeting bus drivers who were going to pick up our children. We got on one of those buses and rode along the route to school with our children. And once we got to the school, we spent time not only with students, parents and teachers, but also our custodial and cafeteria staff.
Dr. Goldson and I both want our children to have every opportunity they need to be college-and-career-ready, and we want our parents to trust us in the education of their children. But we also want every person involved with our children’s education – teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodial staff, and more – to know that we value and appreciate them, and that the important work they do daily has a positive impact on our children.
Our public school system has been heading in the right direction under Dr. Goldson’s leadership. We are making tremendous progress and I am confident that Dr. Goldson is the best person to ensure this progress continues.
But, Dr. Goldson alone cannot change the trajectory of our school system. She is not a magician. Dr. Goldson has been everywhere in our community, even hosting meetings at Starbucks, but the success of our school system will depend on our collective efforts.
Prince Georgians, this one’s on us. The state of the education system in our County will depend on the efforts of each and every one of us. So, I ask that each of you join me and our other elected officials in supporting the great work that Dr. Goldson is doing in support of our children. Dr. Goldson’s success will ultimately be a reflection on all of us.
Thank you, Prince Georgians, for your input and feedback throughout this selection process. I look forward to continuing to work together with Dr. Monica Goldson, and I hope that we will continue to make you Prince George’s Proud.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George's County Executive
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