"The Board of Education of Montgomery County has accepted the withdrawal today by Dr. Elfreda W. Massie of her application to be the superintendent of the Montgomery County Public Schools. The members of the Board of Education wish Dr. Massie well in her professional career and thank Dr. Massie for sharing with them her impressive expertise and insights about educational leadership and instructional reform.

"The Board of Education will now move on with the search process. The external consultants of Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates have been asked to identify further candidates for the Board's consideration.

"The Board is committed to the search process underway at this time as the best method of identifying and selecting candidates for consideration as superintendent. Every effort is being taken to ensure the integrity of the process and the viability of additional candidates. The search consultants have been asked to strengthen the background and financial review of potential candidates."