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Press Release: Prince George's County Board of Education Finalizes Contract with Dr. Shawn Joseph as Interim Superintendent

June 26, 2025

For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — The Prince George’s County Board of Education has officially finalized contractual terms with Dr. Shawn Joseph to serve as the Interim Superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), marking a powerful return to a community he once helped lead with distinction. Dr. Joseph, a nationally respected educator and champion for equity, assumes the role at a critical juncture for the district, bringing a bold commitment to collaboration, academic excellence, and measurable results.

Dr. Joseph previously served as Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning in PGCPS from 2014 to 2016, where his leadership helped increase graduation rates, raised kindergarten readiness, and significantly improved reading performance among African American students across multiple grade levels. He also led the development of a comprehensive literacy plan modeled after nationally recognized turnaround strategies and helped remove PGCPS from intensive state special education support through targeted reforms.

Following his tenure in Prince George’s County, Dr. Joseph served as Superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools—one of the nation’s largest and most diverse urban districts. There, he led a system-wide literacy overhaul, launched 18 STEAM middle schools, and developed a nationally recognized early college program. Under his leadership, student achievement in reading outpaced national growth and disciplinary actions declined significantly.

In accepting the role, Dr. Joseph expressed deep gratitude and determination: “I return to Prince George’s County with a sense of responsibility, humility, and urgency. Our children, families, and educators deserve an unwavering focus on results and a culture of collaboration that empowers everyone to succeed. We cannot afford to wait. Together, we will confront our challenges, celebrate our strengths, and build a school system worthy of our students’ brilliance.”

Dr. Joseph has also received an outpouring of support from both educational and public service leaders in the community.

“This is a moment of unity and opportunity for our school system,” said Branndon Jackson, Board President of Prince George’s County Public Schools. “Dr. Joseph is a proven leader who not only knows this district but has demonstrated his ability to deliver results. The Board is confident that under his interim leadership, we will sharpen our focus, accelerate progress, and strengthen trust with the community.”

Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy echoed the board’s enthusiasm: “Dr. Joseph’s return is a celebration of our shared commitment to excellence in public education. His track record of academic improvement, community engagement, and strategic innovation make him the right leader at the right time. This partnership reflects our county’s collective resolve to uplift every child.”

County Council Chair Edward Burroughs III added, “We stand united in our support of Dr. Joseph. His leadership is rooted in vision, experience, and urgency—three things our students and families deserve. With him at the helm, Prince George’s County is poised for a new chapter of growth and impact.”

Dr. Joseph begins his tenure immediately. The Board of Education will initiate a national search for a permanent superintendent while continuing to work in close partnership with Dr. Joseph to maintain continuity and momentum in district operations. A press conference will be held on June 27, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET in room 122 (PGCPS School Board Room).

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