Two top administrators have been chosen as acting community superintendents to replace Dr. Gregory Thornton, recently promoted to become deputy superintendent, and Louis D. Martinez, who recently was appointed to be superintendent of the Las Cruces Public Schools in New Mexico.

* Walter G. Gibson, currently director of the Downcounty Consortium, has been named acting community superintendent for the Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, and John F. Kennedy clusters, including the reopening of Northwood High School in 2004.

* Stephen L. Bedford, currently principal of Gaithersburg High School, has been named acting community superintendent for the Damascus, Gaithersburg, Col. Zadok Magruder, and Watkins Mill clusters.

Both appointees will begin transitions to their new responsibilities following the spring break. Plans are under way for their replacements.