It's Edwards in a Landslide

Judy Mickens-Murray, a member of that board who voted against hiring Hornsby, said turning to MABE in the current search made some sense -- it is a homegrown organization familiar with Maryland and Prince George's -- but she also was wary of the decision, based on past experience.

"When I look at the group that MABE brought up, I ask myself, 'How did Hornsby make that cut?' " she said. "We can't keep having collateral damage with children because adults can't get it right."

Jacobs noted that problems can arise in such hiring efforts.

"I'm sure you can look at any search firm across the country, and they chose someone who didn't work out," Jacobs said, adding that the board had chosen MABE unanimously.

Jacobs also said that the board had received positive feedback for the only publicly declared candidate for the superintendent's position so far: William R. Hite Jr., Deasy's deputy.

"I can say that there seems to be some energy around him, and we want to reach out to the community even more," Jacobs said.

Regardless of the board's decision, Hite will have his chance at the reins soon: He takes office as interim superintendent Dec. 1.