The Post’s editorial board has made clear that it would prefer that our school system be taken over by Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III [“A blow to Prince George’s,” editorial, July 5]. The question is, why?
The Post blamed political infighting for running off five superintendents (who actually left for a variety of reasons, including being sent to prison) and made bizarre accusations of interference from the Board of Education (Seriously? What were board members elected to do?). Such fuzzy commentary makes me wonder why our county’s school leadership and other politicians are under attack. Superintendent William R. Hite Jr., in a recent letter to the public, said, “I could not have asked for a more supportive Board of Education.” Clearly, Mr. Hite doesn’t share the concerns of The Post.
Every politician of our county is urgently aware of the challenges facing our school system and the need to improve them. I have worked closely with Mr. Hite, his staff and school board members to help bring about the improvements noted in the editorials; anything less from any elected official means that it’s time for that person to step aside. I’m sure that our neighboring jurisdictions have politicians of many ages and backgrounds and that they also work with their school officials on behalf of their schools. Working together is an important part of the job description of any school superintendent.
Yes, all hands are on deck in Prince George’s when it comes to our schools. The fact that our schools are improving is evidence that the work we’ve done together is having an effect. Mr. Hite has been an important part of the innovations that continue to provide a higher quality of education to our students. We respect him, appreciate him and will miss him. And we will continue the incredibly important work before us.
Jolene Ivey, Cheverly
The writer, a Democrat, represents District 47 in the Maryland House of Delegates.
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