Maryland’s schools superintendent withdraws his request to extend his contract

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s superintendent of schools is withdrawing his request for a second term “to pursue other opportunities.”

Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury and the state school board made the announcement Friday in a joint statement. Choudhury’s contract expires in June 2024, and he had faced mounting scrutiny over his management style. The board says it intends to present plans for transition and a national search by its upcoming Sept. 26 meeting. Choudhury became superintendent in July 2021 as the state was in the initial stages of implementing a sweeping reform measure to invest billions of dollars in education over a decade.

Choudhury became superintendent in July 2021 as the state was embarking on implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a sweeping pre-K through 12 reform measure that is set to invest billions of dollars in education over a decade.  The blueprint focuses on expanding early childhood education, increasing teachers’ salaries, and providing aid to help struggling schools adequately prepare students for college and careers.

“The State Board is grateful to Superintendent Choudhury for his leadership in Maryland through the first phase of educational transformation in the State,” the joint statement said, adding that over the past two years, he rebuilt the department for the blueprint era and focused on creating educational equity.

Choudhury’s contract renewal had come under increasing questioning in recent weeks. State lawmakers complained about a lack of communication with him as Maryland was embarking on enormous investments in K-12 education.

The board said it intends to present plans for transition and a national search by its upcoming meeting Sept. 26.

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