Maryland Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury has announced that he will not be seeking a second term after a two-year tenure plagued by controversy. The state Board of Education will now begin a new national search for a leader to oversee the Education Department and guide the implementation of a $3.8 billion program aimed at transforming Maryland’s public education system.
Governor Wes Moore expressed gratitude for Choudhury’s service but emphasized the need for better results for Maryland’s students. Moore stated that while he admires Choudhury’s dedication, it is time for the state to move faster in achieving higher performance and transparency in the education system.
The decision not to renew Choudhury’s contract comes after allegations against his leadership, including the creation of a toxic work environment and micromanagement that hindered important work. The Washington Post conducted a major investigation into these accusations earlier this year.
Leaders of the Board of Education declined to respond to inquiries about the contract, and Choudhury himself has not yet commented on the matter. However, sources with knowledge of the situation revealed that there were not enough votes to support renewing Choudhury’s contract.
The final blow to Choudhury’s tenure came when it was revealed that he had used an encryption app to communicate with staff and others, contradicting his previous public statements denying its use. Governor Moore, who failed to endorse Choudhury in recent weeks, cited concerns about student performance and the need for greater transparency and accountability as reasons for not supporting his contract extension.
This announcement also follows a heated exchange between Choudhury and a member of Maryland’s Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) during a meeting to discuss the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a reform program for the state’s education system.
Despite the disappointment and potential disruption caused by Choudhury’s withdrawal, Isiah Leggett, who heads the AIB, remains focused on implementing the important initiatives outlined in the Blueprint.
Choudhury’s tenure will be remembered for his efforts to rebuild the Maryland State Department of Education for the Blueprint era and his focus on achieving comprehensive educational equity. He also spearheaded initiatives to improve reading proficiency rates and developed innovative programs such as Maryland Leads, Maryland Works, and the Maryland Tutoring Corps.
The date of Choudhury’s departure from the department has not been disclosed, but the State Board intends to present plans for transition and a national search during their upcoming meeting on September 26th.
State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury received thanks from Senate President Bill Ferguson and praise from Cheryl Bost, President of the Maryland State Education Association, who commended his open-door policy with educators and data-driven decision-making.
The search for the next superintendent will prioritize a leader who is committed to improving educational outcomes, ending educator shortages, and ensuring educator voices are included in decision-making processes.