CALLAWAY, Md. (June 28, 2014)—The Board of Education of St. Mary's County announced Thursday that Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Superintendent of Schools, has accepted an offer to serve as the State Superintendent of Schools for the State of West Virginia, and will be departing from his position as Superintendent of the St. Mary's County Public Schools effective this fall. Dr. Martirano has served as Superintendent of Schools for St. Mary's County since July 2005, which makes him the longest serving superintendent in St. Mary's County since 1978, and the longest current serving superintendent in the State of Maryland.
Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa, Chairman of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County said
in a prepared statement, "Dr. Martirano is an exemplary, transformational and visionary leader whose innovative approach has contributed so much to our county and state. His desire to provide cutting edge opportunities for students to succeed is most commendable. We have been fortunate to have Dr. Martirano as superintendent of schools in St. Mary's County and we are saddened by his announcement, however, are happy for him in his new endeavor as the West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools."
Martirano's tenure was recently marred by a $7 million budget deficit, $6 million of which was attributed to health care expenses.