MCPS Welcomes New Superintendent

Montgomery County Public Schools ended a chapter with , but started a new one on Friday with , who took over the reigns at the largest school system in Maryland.

Weast celebrated his after serving as superintendent for 12 years. The day had added significance as MCPS unveiled its 2010 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which is the highest presidential honor an American organization can receive for excellence in innovation, improvement and visionary leadership.

Starr comes to MCPS after serving as the superintendent of Stamford Public Schools — a 15,000-student system with similar demographics to Montgomery County — since 2005.

In the coming months, Starr will be meeting with staff, students, parents and community members about improvements that can be made within the school system, according to his welcome message. Also, Starr will rely on a transition team made up of MCPS leaders who will get him up to speed on “areas that need the most focus to accelerate our progress in closing the achievement gap and raising standards,” he said in the welcome message.

“I believe that MCPS is well-positioned for greater success if we continue to focus on what matters most – ensuring that high quality teaching and learning is happening in each and every classroom, every day,” Starr said in the welcome message. “Together, we are going to work to make sure that every child who graduates from MCPS leaves us with a promising future ahead.”