The Montgomery County, Md., Board of Education has chosen an educator who got his start in special education to be the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools.
Pending final negotiations and approval by the state superintendent of schools, Dr. Joshua P. Starr, the superintendent of schools in Stamford, Conn., will assume his new job on July 1.
“Dr. Starr comes to Montgomery County with impressive credentials and skill sets to lead MCPS in times of incredible challenges and opportunities. He comes to us with a deep commitment to openness and is eager to work collaboratively in the best interest of all students,” Board President Christopher Barclay said. “The Board looks forward with great excitement to working with Dr. Starr in building upon the impressive successes that MCPS has garnered over the past twelve years under the leadership of Dr. Jerry D. Weast.“
Prior to being hired as superintendent in Stamford, Starr served as deputy senior instructional manager and then director of school performance and accountability for the New York City Department of Education. With New York City Public Schools Starr also got his start as a special education teacher.
Starr also held administrative positions in Plainfield, N.J., and Freeport, N.Y.
“The contexts of Stamford and Montgomery County are very similar and I look forward to working with the Board, staff and community to build on the great strengths of MCPS,” Starr said. “Montgomery County has shown the nation that it is possible to raise academic standards and enable all children to achieve them. By engendering a culture that rests in the belief that all children have unlimited potential, ensuring a systematic focus on great instruction, and establishing processes and structures that support adult learning and development, MCPS has changed the conversation of what is possible in urban public education.”
Prior to assuming his new position, Starr will be introduced to the public at a series of meetings.
