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Dr. William Heiser appointed superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools
His tenure will begin this Wednesday, July 1
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The Board of Education of Baltimore County is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. William Heiser as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools. His tenure will begin on Wednesday, July 1.
Over the past two decades, Dr. Heiser’s career in education has spanned the schoolhouse, the principalship, and central office leadership in three Maryland school systems. He currently serves as the chief operating officer in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, where he provides executive leadership for the fourth-largest school system in Maryland, supporting more than 85,000 students and 130 schools.
Prior to his role as chief operating officer, Dr. Heiser served as the president of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore City from 2015-2023 and as the principal of Catonsville High School in Baltimore County from 2013-2015 and of North County High School in Anne Arundel County from 2010-2013.
“I am deeply humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve as the next superintendent of this incredible school system,” said Dr. Heiser. “I will work diligently with the Board of Education to ensure that our system works every day to serve, support, and inspire all members of Team BCPS and keep students at the forefront of all that we do. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to continue to build on the outstanding work that has been accomplished under Dr. Rogers’ leadership, and I am confident that, working together, we will take this system to the next level.”
Learn more about Dr. Heiser's background and accomplishments and the selection process in a recent BCPS news release. A separate news release describes his appointment.
| | Two new members appointed to Board of Education of Baltimore County by Governor Wes Moore | | |
Pete Fitzpatrick and Autrese Thornton have been appointed to the Board of Education of Baltimore County by Maryland Governor Wes Moore. The appointees were nominated by the Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission to complete the terms of two school board members who resigned.
Fitzpatrick, a Catonsville High School graduate, is a flight nurse and shift coordinator at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. He will complete the term of former school board member Robin Harvey.
Thornton is an education consultant, advocate, and board-certified coach. She will complete the term of former school board member Tiara Booker-Dwyer.
Learn more about them in a recent news release.
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The partner application is open through Tuesday, June 30.
Staff registration is open through Thursday, July 2.
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Go everywhere without going anywhere
One of the great things about reading is that it allows you to explore the world without leaving home. This week's book recommendations from our wonderful colleagues in the Baltimore County Public Library Collection Department take readers inside Indigenous culture, to the moon, into an antique shop in London's Chinatown, and on a sailing trip in Mexico.
Many thanks to them, and please remember to stop by your local library branch to participate in the summer reading program, have them put together a Be Surprised Bundle for you, and take part in their many activities.
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In recognition of Pride Month, the Mind Over Matters campaign provides a variety of resources and activities for students, families, and staff.
Everyone belongs in Team BCPS!
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What's your summer story?
Every summer since 2018, BCPS has invited its students, teachers, and staff to share stories about their summer activities and adventures on the BCPS blog. The invitation to contribute to the Summer Stories series is extended again this year. To submit a blog post or suggest a story idea, please write to communications@bcps.org. We want to know about your summer jobs/internships/externships, vacations, creative projects, competitions, camps, and more!
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Save the date for BCPSfest 2026 –
Saturday, August 22
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BCPSfest 2026 is the annual back-to-school festival designed to spark excitement about learning and to connect students and their families to school system and community resources.
This year, the event will be held at New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., in Owings Mills 21117, on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (rain or shine).
Any questions about the event can be directed to Diana Spencer at dspencer4@bcps.org or Jill Stephenson at jstephenson@bcps.org.
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for parents/caregivers
from BCPS Parent University
| | View the summer edition of the BCPS Parent University show | | The newest episode of the BCPS Parent University show highlights a grant-funded gardening and environmental education project at Deer Park Middle Magnet School; suggestions from Renee O'Connell, Cockeysville Middle School math teacher, for practicing math over the summer; and FACE of the Month James Thomas, building operations supervisor, Oliver Beach Elementary School. | | CCBC offers free community swim hours this summer | | |
CCBC pools are open and free to the community this summer during designated swim hours through Thursday, Aug. 20. Swimmers will need to complete an online waiver and get a CCBC OneCard before using the pool.
Pool hours:
- CCBC Catonsville: Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m.
- CCBC Dundalk: Monday and Wednesday, 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
- CCBC Essex: Tuesday and Thursday, 3-5 p.m.
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Free outdoor movies to be shown across Baltimore County
The Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks' Screen on the Green free outdoor movie series is back! Families are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and their favorite snacks. No tickets or advance registration are required. Check showtimes online.
| | for your viewing pleasure | | |
"Weathercock House, Japan" by Sireen El-Awady, Towson High School. At the 38th Annual BCPS High School Art Exhibition, this artwork earned honorable mention honors in the Baltimore County Public Schools Awards. The exhibition is on display at The Towson University StarTUp at The Armory (307 Washington Ave, Towson 21204) through Friday, July 31.
Artist statement:
This is an embroidery piece depicting the Weathercock House in Kitano-cho, Kobe, that I created after my visit to Japan. With this piece, I wanted to create a "painting" using embroidery, applying similar techniques I use when painting, and using the embroidery thread as my "paint." I was intrigued by how the architectural design of the Weathercock House and the surrounding buildings stood out compared to Japanese architecture. These buildings were built by European merchants and diplomats that brought European-style architecture with them, creating homes that looked like replicas of buildings in their home countries. This showed that architecture helps people feel at home away from home through the incorporation of certain architectural styles. An artist that explores a similar idea in their artworks is Boris Nzebo, who creates artworks that reflect the daily lives of people in his hometown in West Africa, including the city's architecture in the background into all of his pieces. Visiting Kitano-Cho showed me architecture isn't just about aesthetics, but about how a building is like a mirror, reflecting the backgrounds and needs of the people who live there.
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mission moment
from The Education Foundation of BCPS
| | Celebrating our 2026 Champions of Education | | Carin Lazarus, Media Star Promotions (center) | | Matt Musgrove, Padonia Park Club, (center) | | |
The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., held its end of year awards and recognition celebration on June 10 at First Financial Federal Credit Union’s Hansen Hall in Sparks.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners! Thank you for your support!
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Outstanding Contributor Award
- Carin Lazarus, Media Star Promotions
- Matt Musgrove, Padonia Park Club
Volunteer of the Year Award
- Christie Compeau, Horace Mann
- Jim Farmer, Horace Mann
Community Partner of the Year Award
- First Financial Federal Credit Union
Board Member of the Year Award
- Ryan Cagle, Whiting-Turner
- Scott Moir, GWWO Architects
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Cindy Whitcomb, The Education Foundation of BCPS
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The Deborah S. Phelps Award
- Joan Pugh, First Financial Federal Credit Union
Community Impact Award
- LeeAnne Barnett, Milbrook Elementary School
Game Changer Award
Community Support Award
Unsung Hero Award
- David Colom, BCPS Logistics
- Jennifer Drury, BCPS Copy & Print
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The foundation also recognized five Board Members whose terms of service will end on June 30. Thank you for your service: Dr. Sam Negahban, Brawner Builders; Kate Perry-Jones, Black & Decker; Bea Pfander, Cigna; Sister Sharon Slear, The Sisters of Notre Dame; and Andrew Will, Jackson Lewis Law Firm.
Learn more in a new Mission Moment blog post and see more photos from the event on Flickr.
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June 29, 2026
Dear Reader:
As I conclude my tenure as BCPS superintendent, I do so with immense gratitude and pride. I'd like to take this occasion to express my heartfelt appreciation to our educators, support staff, administrators, central office team, and my cabinet for their expertise and dedication. Thank you to our families, community members, and partners for their enduring collaboration and trust. And, most importantly, thank you to our students, the 108,000 reasons why we do this work. I believed in you from day one, and you have shown me time and time again that my belief was well placed.
When I was appointed superintendent three years ago, the charge was clear, reverse more than a decade trajectory of academic decline in BCPS. Together we embraced that challenge. I am pleased to say that, while there is still certainly much more work to do, we have made meaningful progress in a relatively short time, and our progress has been externally validated at the state and national level. BCPS students now have access to opportunities, supports, and experiences that simply did not exist three years ago.
The progress we see belongs to all of us and can continue with conditions conducive to success – if all people are truly working for the collective good. The foundation is strong, the direction is clear, and the future is bright.
Thirty years ago, I began in BCPS as a chemistry teacher at Woodlawn High School, and I will always cherish that time that made the power of education and my love of learning come alive in others.
As I retire, I look forward to spending more time with my family, while cheering BCPS on from a different seat. I will always be a proud supporter of Team BCPS and an advocate for public education, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served this community.
Thank you, and I wish each one of you the very best in the years ahead.
Regards,
Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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In recognition of Independence Day,
BCPS schools and offices will be closed on Friday, July 3.
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Upcoming Board meeting
All are welcome to attend
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Board of Education meeting
Tuesday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m.
BCPS headquarters/Greenwood, 6901 N. Charles St., Building E, Towson 21204
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