Dr. Joshua P. Starr Officially Appointed as Superintendent

May 10, 2011

Board of Education Unanimously Selects Connecticut Educator and Approves Four-Year Contract

(Updated on May 11, 2011)

The Montgomery County Board of Education officially appointed Dr. Joshua P. Starr as the next Superintendent of Schools for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and approved his employment contract on Tuesday. Dr. Starr, who is currently the Stamford (Conn.) Public Schools superintendent, will begin his MCPS tenure on July 1, 2011 when he succeeds Dr. Jerry D. Weast, who is retiring after 12 years as MCPS superintendent of schools.

“Josh Starr has the vision, the experience and the passion to lead our great school system into the future,” said Christopher S. Barclay, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education. “I know that Dr. Starr will bring tremendous energy and commitment to Montgomery County and will continue to build on the outstanding work that has been accomplished here over the past 12 years under Dr. Weast’s exemplary leadership.”

The Board conditionally appointed Dr. Starr on April 25, pending agreement on the terms of employment and approval by the state superintendent of schools, as required by Maryland law. State Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick has certified Dr. Starr’s credentials and the Board completed negotiations on the terms of a four-year employment contract with Dr. Starr last week. Dr. Starr visited Montgomery County on May 11 and signed his contract.

“My family and I are thrilled to be coming to Montgomery County, which places the highest level of importance on public education,” Dr. Starr said. “MCPS is a world-class school system and I look forward to working with the exceptional staff, the students and the community to continue this journey of excellence and raise it to the next level.”

Under the terms of the contract, Dr. Starr will earn a salary of $250,000 per year and will also receive $35,000 in deferred compensation as well as a contribution of $18,750 toward his retirement. Dr. Starr also will receive other benefits including health, disability and life insurance, moving expenses and the use of a vehicle.

Dr. Starr has been the superintendent in Stamford since 2005, where he has distinguished himself by increasing student achievement for all subgroups, emphasizing increased academic rigor, standardizing curriculum, advancing the use of technology, creating business and civic partnerships, and emphasizing community and family engagement efforts. Previously, he served at the executive level in the New York City Department of Education, the largest school system in the nation, where he held the position of Director of School Performance and Accountability. He began his career as a special education teacher in the New York City Public Schools working with severely emotionally disturbed adolescents and has also served in administrative roles in Plainfield, New Jersey and Freeport, New York.

Dr. Starr holds a doctorate degree in administration and social policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and has published articles in many journals in the field of education. Dr. Starr and his wife, Emma, have three children, who will attend Montgomery County Public Schools.

Dr. Starr will visit Montgomery County before the end of the school year to meet students, staff and members of the community. Details pertaining to any public events will be announced soon.

Superintendent's Contract (approved on May 10 2011)

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