Leadership Changes In Somerset Schools

SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES LEADERSHIP STAFFING CHANGES WITHIN SOMERSET COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT CONINUES TO BE EMPHASIZED
Westover, Maryland - At the Board of Education meeting on July 2 2013, a number of leadership personnel moves was approved. Director of Technology Nancy Smoker was named Interim Assistant Superintendent of Administration for the 2013-2014 year. In addition, Smoker has worked in an advisory capacity to the finance department during a significant portion of this past year assisting and overseeing operations. Secondary Supervisor of Instruction David Elebash was appointed Interim Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for the same time period. 

Washington Academy & High School Learning Support Specialist Tracey Cottman was approved by the Board to serve as the Secondary Student Support Services Supervisor filling the position made available by the retirement of Vicki Carter. Principal of Deal Island Elementary School Brandy Brady will now serve as Principal of Somerset Intermediate School assuming the position vacated by Josh Coughran who accepted the Superintendency in a school district in Alaska. Carter G. Woodson Elementary School Vice Principal Ted Gibson will become the new Principal of Deal Island Elementary School. His former position will be filled by Princess Anne Elementary School Reading Coach Ashley Walters.

In a previous Board of Education meeting prior to July 2, the Board approved the transfer of Somerset Promise Academy Principal Sidney Hankerson to the principalship at Washington Academy & High School. Hankerson will be replaced at the Somerset Promise Academy by William Johnson who served as Principal of WAHS during the 2012-2013 school year. Also, Wendy Harrison was approved as the new Chief Financial Officer filling the position held by Marvin Blye.

At the July 2 meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. John B. Gaddis emphasized his passion for student success. He commented on the level of professionalism he had noticed within the school system thus far among the leadership, teachers and support staff. In a communication with staff on July 3, Dr. Gaddis said, “Everywhere I have visited, people have told me about the great staff and all that has been done for their students.”