Upper Marlboro, MD - Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III announced Friday the contract renewal of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, highlighting the school system’s academic gains over the last four years. Joined by parents and business and education leaders, Mr. Baker made the announcement at DuVal High School in Lanham, which boasts one of the county’s top graduation rates. The school’s acclaimed aeronautical engineering program was created during Dr. Maxwell’s administration. 

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As required by state law, Dr. Maxwell requested reappointment in a January 31, 2017 letter to the County Executive, who had until March 1, 2017 to consider the request. Dr. Maxwell’s new contract will end June 30, 2021. Dr. Maxwell is the first PGCPS superintendent in nearly 25 years to serve more than one term. His reappointment will allow for continuity in the progress made over the past four years.

“We’ve seen a profound shift in the culture, outcomes and progress within Prince George’s County Public Schools,” said County Executive Baker. “This reappointment is recognition that our system is innovating and our students are succeeding. I am proud to reappoint Dr. Maxwell to a four-year term. I am confident that our schools will continue to reach new heights under his leadership.”

Dr. Maxwell was raised in Prince George’s County and began his career in PGCPS, rising from the teaching ranks to principal and later, a central office-level administrator. When Mr. Baker appointed him as PGCPS Chief Executive Officer in August 2013, Dr. Maxwell was the school system’s eighth superintendent, including interims, in 11 years. Dr. Maxwell had previously served as superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. In 2014, he was named Maryland Superintendent of the Year by the Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM), representing the state in the National Superintendent of the Year program.

“I am gratified and humbled by Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker’s decision to reappoint me to a second term at the helm of this great school system,” said PGCPS CEO Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell. “Prince George’s County is my home. Prince George’s County Public Schools is the place where I was educated and where I began my career. I remain committed to the children of Prince George’s County and excited to work alongside my colleagues as we continue our focus on high academic achievement, safe learning environments and effective leadership. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the members of the Prince George’s County Board of Education for your partnership in service to our students and community. I look forward to our continued collaboration.”

Under Dr. Maxwell’s leadership, PGCPS high school graduation rates have increased 7.3 percentage points to a record-high of 81.4 percent – the first time since 2010 that the system-wide graduation rate has exceeded 80 percent. The school system now has eight schools with graduation rates above 90 percent, up from none as recently as two years ago.

By the Numbers: PGCPS Accomplishments (2013 to present)

• Graduation Rate: Up to record-high 81.4 percent (2016) from 74.1 percent (2013)
• Enrollment: Up to 132,363, reversing years-long decline (approximately 125,135 in 2013-14)
• Full-Day Prekindergarten: Increased number of programs from 8 to 50
• Dual Enrollment Registration: Increased registration from approximately 250 to more than 600
• Language Immersion Programs: Expanded from 5 to 8 programs
• Arts Integration Programs: Expanded 15-school pilot to 65 programs system-wide
• College Scholarships: Increased from $107.4 million in 2014 to $144.2 million in 2016
• National Blue Ribbon School: Dora Kennedy French Immersion School (2014)
• Maryland Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education Awards: 8
• Maryland Green Schools: 71

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