Interim Superintendent of Schools Named
The Board of Education of St. Mary's County has selected Mr. James Scott Smith as the Interim Superintendent of Schools. The announcement came during the Board's regularly scheduled meeting held today. As the Interim Superintendent, Mr. Smith will play a lead role in the educational leadership and business affairs for the school system.
Mr. Smith will replace Dr. Michael J. Martirano, who has accepted an offer to serve as the State Superintendent of Schools for the State of West Virginia. Mr. Smith currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and oversees the Division of Instruction which includes the Departments of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development, Special Education, Student Services, Informational Technology, Learning Management Systems, Elementary and Early Childhood Interventions, and College and Career Readiness. As a Division, Instruction implements curriculum, trains staff, assesses student progress, provides support and intervention, and observes and evaluates all certificated staff. Mr. Smith has been with the St. Mary's County Public Schools for 23 years, serving students and staff as an English teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, executive director, and assistant superintendent. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English Education, a Master's Degree in Human Resources, and is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree from the University of Maryland at College Park. He is certified to teach English 7-12 and holds Administrator I and Administrator II credentials.
"I am supportive of the Board's selection of Mr. Smith and I know he will continue the great work that will move the school system forward to meet the needs of all our students," said Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Superintendent of Schools.
Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa, Chairman of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County said, "We are pleased to appoint Mr. Smith as the Interim Superintendent and look forward to working with him to continue the work being done to make the St. Mary's County Public Schools the best it can be for students, staff, and the community."
Mr. Smith's appointment has been approved by State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Lillian M. Lowery, and becomes effective upon the departure of Dr. Martirano in mid-September.
Administrative Appointments Announced
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael J. Martirano, announces the administrative appointments made by the Board of Education at its meeting of August 13, 2014.
The Board appointed Mr. Michael Egan as Principal of the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. Mr. Egan was currently serving as Supervisor of Instruction for Career and Technical Education with the Department of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master's degree from Towson University. Mr. Egan joined St. Mary's County Public Schools in August 1992 and has served as a Physical Education Teacher, Assistant Principal at both Leonardtown High and the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, and Principal of Margaret Brent Middle School before assuming his current role as Supervisor of Instruction for Career and Technical Education.
This appointment will be effective immediately.
The Board also appointed Mr. Jeffrey DiRenzo as Principal of Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School. Mr. DiRenzo is currently serving as Principal of Mechanicsville Elementary School. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Master's degree from Chapman University. Mr. DiRenzo joined St. Mary's County Public Schools in August 2006 and has served as an Elementary Teacher, Assistant Principal at both Lexington Park Elementary and Greenview Knolls Elementary before assuming his current role as Principal of Mechanicsville Elementary.
This appointment will be effective on January 1, 2015.