Dallas Dance, the superintendent of the Baltimore County (Md.) Public Schools (BCPS), has announced his resignation, effective June 30.
Dance, 35, is in the middle of a four-year contract that pays him $287,000 a year. The Baltimore County district has about 112,000 students and is the 25th largest public school system in the nation.
School board president Edward Gilliss says the district will probably look for an interim superintendent for the coming school year because it is too late in the year to do a search for a permanent replacement.
Dance did not give the board a reason for the resignation, Gilliss says.
Dance came to Baltimore in 2012 from the Houston Independent School District, where he was chief middle schools officer.
The superintendent's resignation announcement was posted on the district's web site:
“The last five years serving as Superintendent of Team BCPS have been the best years of my professional life," Dance said. "As I stated in my latest State of the Schools message, I have led this organization from my heart believing that we could move mountains, and while not literally, we have begun tackling some large complex issues, which will take us time, effort, energy, and commitment to realize its full impact. However, I believe our county and region will be better because of our strategic efforts to provide an equitable educational experience for all of our children.
"While there is more work to be done, Team BCPS is certainly on the right track under the leadership of a phenomenal group of chiefs, top-notch school leaders, dedicated and caring teachers, and thousands of committed support staff all throughout our organization. I truly believe BCPS is in a better place today than when I first arrived. To that end, I now transition to another chapter of my career where I will specifically use my passion for equity and access to a quality education to ensure it is provided to all students through school, district, and community leadership.
"Team BCPS is much bigger than any one individual. Therefore, the work continues, and the pride we have cultivated around our culture will deepen. I want to thank each and every person who has worked and supported us as we’ve strengthened incredible learning environments for each child in every school. I know the best days for Team BCPS are ahead, and I will always be one of its biggest cheerleaders.
"My last day with Team BCPS will be June 30, 2017."
