LA PLATA, Md. (Feb. 11, 2009)—Superintendent of Charles County Public Schools James E. Richmond was unanimously reappointed by the Board of Education on Tuesday to serve a fourth, four-year term.
Richmond, who has served as superintendent since July 1, 1997, said he was pleased to have his contract extended. "It is with great pleasure that I accept the appointment to a fourth term as superintendent of Charles County Public Schools. I appreciate the support of the Board and I look forward to maintaining the successful working relationship we have.," Richmond said in a statement.
Chairman Donald M. Wade said Charles County Public Schools is fortunate to have Richmond as superintendent. "Charles County is fortunate to have a superintendent who wants to be here in the school district. He brings with him an international recognition of his expertise as a superintendent, contacts, professional executive experience, education and a love for children. His success rate in Charles County is evident by the results of our school district at the federal and state level," Wade said in a statement.
Richmond has been recognized nationally, locally and by the state for Charles County Public Schools' efforts to eliminate the minority achievement gap. He was inducted into the Charles County NAACP Hall of Fame in 2005 for his dedication to excellence and achievement in education for all students. Additionally, he has been honored with the Maryland State Department of Education Excellence for Minority Achievement Chair Award and by the National NAACP Education Department as the recipient of the Daisy Bates Educational Advocacy Award for the school system's work in seeking to improve equity and accountability in education.
Richmond has also received national recognition for his work to upgrade and push Charles County Public Schools to the forefront in technology for students. In 2007, Cisco Systems honored Richmond with its 21st Century Award and its Outstanding Vision and Leadership Award.
Richmond came to Charles County Public Schools in 1966 as a classroom teacher at La Plata High School. He transferred to Thomas Stone High School in 1969 when it opened and became principal there in 1973. He served as principal at Stone until 1985 when he was appointed director of supervision and curriculum. He next served as director of school administration, beginning in 1987, then became the regional administrator for the southern region schools in 1994. Mr. Richmond was appointed as interim Superintendent of Schools in 1996.
Richmond earned his bachelor's degree from Tusculum College in Tennessee, his master's degree from Bowie State University and his Ed.S. from George Washington University. He has attended Superintendent's training and seminars at Harvard University, as well as programs through their Principal's Center.
Source: Charles County public school system