MSDE Education Bulletin, June 10, 2016

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     June 10, 2016                | MSDE Home | Newsroom | MDReportcard.org | School Improvement |

DR. KAREN SALMON NAMED STATE SUPERINTENDENT

The Maryland State Board of Education last month selected Dr. Karen B. Salmon as the State’s next State Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1. 

Dr. Jack Smith and Dr. Karen B. Salmon

Dr. Salmon began serving as Acting Superintendent on June 1, and will officially take the helm as State Superintendent one month later.  She succeeded Interim State Superintendent Jack Smith, who earlier this year was named the next Superintendent of the Montgomery County Public Schools.

The State Board voted unanimously to elevate Dr. Salmon to the State Superintendent position, pending final contract negotiations.

“I am committed to collaborating with all of our stakeholders to ensure a world-class education for every Maryland public school student,” Dr. Salmon said.  “I want to build on Maryland's past accomplishments, streamline programs at the Maryland State Department of Education, and articulate a shared vision for educational excellence.”

State Board President Guffrie M. Smith, Jr., said Dr. Salmon comes to the position well prepared to lead the State’s system to continued improvement. 

“Dr. Salmon knows our State, understands our challenges, and has a track record of developing effective solutions to educational issues through collaboration,” Mr. Smith said.  “The Board looks forward with great confidence to working alongside Dr. Salmon as we move our schools and our students toward new levels of success.”

Dr. Salmon has spent the vast majority of her career in Maryland public education.  She joined the Maryland State Department of Education last August as Assistant State Superintendent for College and Career Readiness before taking over as Interim Deputy Superintendent for School Effectiveness earlier this year.

Prior to joining the MSDE staff, Dr. Salmon served as Superintendent of the Bay Shore Union Free School District in Bay Shore, NY.  She moved to New York after 10 years as Superintendent of the high-performing Talbot County Public School System. 

Dr. Salmon spent more than 30 years as an educator on Maryland’s Eastrn Shore, beginning her career as a special education teacher in the Caroline County Public Schools.  She later became a vocational coordinator and an assistant principal in the Caroline schools before moving to Talbot County as Coordinator of Services for Exceptional Children.  Dr. Salmon became Assistant Superintendent of the Talbot County schools in 1997 and Superintendent in 2003.

Named the Maryland Superintendent of the Year in 2012, Dr. Salmon is the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout her educational career.  Dr. Salmon holds a Ph.D. in Special Education/Administration from the University of Maryland College Park, as well as a Masters in Special Education from the same institution.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from the University of Delaware.

A native of Harford County and the daughter of an educator, Dr. Salmon and her husband John reside in Bozman, MD.  They are the parents of two grown daughters: Lauren, an oncologist living in Virginia, and Rachael, a student at the University of Maryland College Park. Both children graduated from Talbot County public schools.

Board President Smith said the Maryland State Board of Education would like to thank the citizens of Maryland for enthusiastically participating and providing invaluable insights throughout the selection process.  Community members throughout the State shared with the Board their perspectives, opinions, concerns and ideas through various meetings, focus groups, letters and surveys.  Board members found this input invaluable in evaluating each candidate and reaching a final decision, he said.


CHARLES CO’s GORDON IS 2016 PIMA WINNER

Thomas Gordon, Sr., of Charles County last Friday night was named statewide winner of the ninth annual Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Awards (PIMA) program.

Gordon, a volunteer at Indian Head Elementary School, developed the Keeping Kids in Coats Program, designed to help clothe economically disadvantaged students in the cold weather months.  He also serves as a robotics coach, volunteers in the school’s PBIS program, and is a fixture in the school community.

Timothy J. Rosin, principal at Indian Head, said that Gordon’s involvement is deep, spending year after year on a variety of programs designed to make the school a better place to learn.  “The Maryland Parent Involvement Matters award is the most logical plan of action--to recognize him for the  impact he has made in the lives of some many of our students,” he said.

2016 PIMA Winner, Thomas Gordon, Sr., of Charles County

Gordon was selected among the five finalists announced at the gala awards ceremony at Martin’s West.  The finalists were narrowed down from a list of 24 semifinalists announced last month.  The other finalists were: 

  • Chen Chen,  County Schools, Anne Arundel County
  • Cheri Pegues, Towson High School, Baltimore County
  • Earnest Moore, County Schools, Prince George’s County
  • Donna Turnamian, Evening High School, Wicomico County

PIMA Videos: 2016 Finalists and Winner


“Maryland schools are at their best when parents and other volunteers are working to improve each classroom for every child," said Governor Larry Hogan.  "I congratulate Mr. Gordon, along with all of the finalists, for outstanding contributions to our State's students, schools and communities.” 

Acting State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon noted that parent involvement is critical to Maryland’s educational success.  

“Thomas Gordon has been willing to do whatever it takes to improve the entire school community,” Dr. Salmon said.  “Strong parental involvement strengthens our classrooms and schools, and Thomas never stops working to make Indian Head better for all students. His tireless commitment is an inspiration.”

PIMA is the nation’s first and only statewide award program of its kind, honoring parents and guardians for their critical work.  The PIMA Program recognizes parents from local school systems across the State of Maryland, nominated for their contributions in one or more of the five areas of parental involvement:  Communication; Volunteering; Learning; Decision Making; and Community Collaboration.

Many of the honorees from previous years have become parent involvement advocates on the statewide level – serving as members of task forces, presenters at statewide meetings, and participants in education conventions as well as focus groups.

The PIMA Program is supported by: Martin's West, Maryland PTA, Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland's 24 School Systems, Rudolph's Office and Computer Supply, and Target.


A Few Words from Acting State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon

Acting State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen B. Salmon

 

Acting State Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Karen B. Salmon


It has only been a few weeks since the Maryland State Board of Education selected me as the next State Superintendent of Schools, and already I’ve heard best wishes expressed from all parts of our great State.  I certainly appreciate the support I’ve received, and the confidence that I have been shown.

There are terrific schools found in every school system in Maryland.  My goal as State Superintendent is to improve every school.  Every child, every parent, and every taxpayer deserves a strong school in their neighborhood.

I look forward to working with each of you as we build upon Maryland’s educational legacy.  We have work to do, but our foundation is strong.


 * * *


MSDE last month honored outstanding performance in secondary and postsecondary Career and Technology Education (CTE) with the 2016 Awards of Excellence.

Maryland’s CTE Awards of Excellence program--sponsored by MSDE--recognizes business partners, teachers and others creating opportunities for students to learn about and prepare for careers. The honorees are sponsoring internships, mentoring students as they complete real-world projects, and creating Maryland’s high-skilled future workforce.  As a result of their leadership and contribution to CTE programs, Maryland students are better prepared for careers in computer science, hospitality management, cyber security and health and biomedical sciences.

This year’s award winners represent outstanding contributions to CTE programs from across the state and include:

• OUTSTANDING BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS – CTE PROGRAM
Financial Council Incorporated / John D. Hauserman, Senior Advisor
Partnership with Howard County Public Schools

• OUTSTANDING BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS – CTE SYSTEM
Marriott International
Partnership with Montgomery College & Montgomery County Public Schools

• OUTSTANDING CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION PROGRAM - SECONDARY
Academy of Health Professions Program
Carroll County Career and Technology Center

• OUTSTANDING CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION PROGRAM - POSTSECONDARY
Cybersecurity Degree Program
Frederick Community College

• OUTSTANDING CHANGE AGENT - SECONDARY
Murray Parker, Principal
Western School of Technology and Environmental Science
Baltimore County Public Schools

• OUTSTANDING CHANGE AGENT - POSTSECONDARY
Proficiency Credit Initiative
Anne Arundel Community College

• DISTINGUISHED SERVICE - SECONDARY
Susan E. Garrett
Supervisor of Career and Technology Education
Harford County Public Schools

• DISTINGUISHED SERVICE – POSTSECONDARY
Fran Leibfreid
Associate Dean of Instruction
Allegany College of Maryland

• OUTSTANDING CTE MARKETING CAMPAIGN - SECONDARY
Department of College & Career Readiness and Innovative Programs
Prince George’s County Public Schools

For more information about CTE programs throughout Maryland, please visit www.mdcteprograms.org.

* * *


Video Highlights


Dr. Karen B. Salmon, Acting State Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Karen B. Salmon, New Maryland Schools Superintendent

At it's meeting on May 24, the Maryland Board of Education announces Karen Salmon as the new Maryland Schools Superintendent. Her title will be Acting Superintendent through June; her full term starts July 1st.


2016 PIMA Winner, Thomas Gordon, Sr., Charles County

2016 PIMA Winner, Thomas Gordon, Sr., Charles County

Thomas Gordon, Sr., of Charles County on Friday night was named statewide winner of the ninth annual Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Awards (PIMA) program. Gordon, a volunteer at Indian Head Elementary School, is a U.S. Park Police officer, and brings his horse to school on Career Day. He also developed the Keeping Kids in Coats Program, designed to help clothe economically disadvantaged students in the cold weather months. He also serves as a robotics coach, volunteers in the school’s PBIS program, and is a fixture in the school community.


2016 PIMA Videos: Finalists and Winner

2016 PIMA Videos: Finalists and Winner

Calendar

June 16-17 - MSDE Maryland Education Data Summit, Ellicott City

June 21 - Final day of the 2015-16 school year

June 28 - Maryland State Board of Education Meeting, Baltimore


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