Board approves one-year interim superintendent contract for Dr. Shawn Joseph

The Prince George's County Board of Education on June 26 approved a one-year interim superintendent contract for Dr. Shawn Joseph, a move board leaders said was needed to restore the superintendent's signing authority for financial and operational decisions. The motion passed with the majority of members voting in favor and two members abstaining.

Board approval was prompted by what staff described as an immediate operational need. Arthur Horn, legal counsel, told the board the process is governed by Maryland law and explained the legal framework for making an interim appointment: “This situation is set forth in the Maryland Education Annotated Code section 4-201.1,” he said, describing the authority to fill a superintendent vacancy and the need for certain confirmations tied to the appointment.

The contract was presented as a bridge: Chief Operating Officer Dr. Coleman said the district lacked a superintendent in the days after the prior leader’s departure and that absence was creating operational constraints, including the inability to execute purchase requisitions and contracts needed for capital improvements and transportation. Coleman said the district needed an interim superintendent “to exercise the fiscal authority needed to move critical work forward.”

Board discussion mixed procedural concerns and support. Board member Pamela Boosier Struthers said she would abstain, citing the lack of an inclusive vetting process and concerns about democratic practice: “This has not been democratic,” she said, explaining her decision to withhold a yes vote. Board member Robin Brown also abstained, saying she had received the contract only that day and needed more time to review it before voting.

Other members urged prompt action to avoid further operational disruption. Board member Lalita E. Walker, who voted in favor, said the district needed leadership in place immediately to allow contracts and other actions to proceed: “We need somebody inside of this seat now,” she said, adding that accountability to the board could follow.

On roll call the board recorded a majority in favor and two abstentions; the chair announced the motion carried. The contract covers the interim appointment through June 30, 2026. Board members and staff said the district conducted background and financial checks before finalizing the arrangement and that legal counsel advised the board on statutory requirements.

Why this matters: without an authorized superintendent the district said it could not sign contracts or move money needed for schools, transportation, and capital work. The contract gives the superintendent authority to act while the process for a permanent superintendent advances under applicable law.

Board next steps include implementing the interim superintendent's responsibilities immediately and continuing the required processes for a permanent appointment under Maryland law. The board did not take additional formal actions on the full-time superintendent search during the June 26 meeting.