Alsobrooks Organizes Public Hearing on Schools CEO

Since Monica Goldson’s appointment as interim CEO of Prince George’s County Public Schools, she attended dozens of community and school meetings, helped tie boots for District Heights elementary students and continues to ensure the county receives equitable funding from the ongoing recommendations from the Kirwan Commission.

With her contract as the temporary leader expiring at the end of June, residents wonder will she remain, or will a new person be chosen.

That’s why County Executive Angela Alsobrooks will lead a public hearing Monday at Charles H. Flowers High School in Springdale for residents to offer comments on what they seek in a permanent leader.

“It is something we decided to do because we have gotten calls and emails from citizens who want an update on the process and would like to have a chance to weigh in,” spokesman John Erzen said in an email Tuesday, May 7. “The county executive is big on collaboration and ensuring that citizens have a seat at the table and a voice in decisions that impact their lives.”

Erzen said it’s unclear how long a search would take, but briefly summarized the process: Gov. Larry Hogan appoints a three-person selection committee who will receive candidates from a selected firm to conduct a nationwide search.

Once the committee interviews them, three names will be sent to Alsobrooks for consideration and then choose that person.

Because Goldson’s contract expires in less than two months, her interim status could be extended.

“I think we are going to have to extend her contract and allow her to continue working,” said school board member Belinda Queen. “I don’t think we just can’t find another CEO that quickly.”

Queen, elected to the board in November, said Goldson allows board members to call her with any problems they hear from parents and guardians.

She praised Goldson’s assertiveness to lead public-private partnerships in school construction projects slated to cost $1 billion in state funding over a seven-year period.

Other happenings during Goldson’s tenure so far include: Glenarden Woods Elementary received a Blue Ribbon honor for education excellence; credit from Maryland State Board of Education on improvements to certifying grades increased compliance on administrative procedures.

But Queen also heard concerns from her District 6 constituents that Goldson worked under a previous administration that held disputes with board members, allowed for some employees to receive raises and lack of student attendance.

“The people should be allowed to participate in a decision such as this,” Queen said. “There have been a lot of things put in place that have been good, but it is going to take time and residents must have a say in the process.”