TOWSON, MD—The Board of Education of Baltimore County on Tuesday evening announced the selection of Dr. Myriam Yarbrough as its candidate for superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, contingent upon final contract negotiations for employment and approval by state superintendent Mohammed Choudhury as required by Maryland law. Dr. Yarbrough was selected following a nationwide search facilitated by McPherson and Jacobson, LLC, incorporating input from hundreds of BCPS staff, parents, students, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Yarbrough, who began her educational career as a chemistry teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools in 1996, currently serves as Deputy Superintendent. In this capacity, she plans, coordinates, and administers all professional learning activities, functions, and programs of BCPS and provides leadership and collaboration with and among all offices to ensure that resources and supports are prioritized to meet individual school needs. Dr. Yarbrough ensures that systemwide goals, strategies, initiatives, and priorities identified in the school system’s strategic plan, The Compass, are implemented. Dr. Yarbrough returned to BCPS in 2020. Prior to her role as Deputy Superintendent, she served as BCPS’ Chief of Organizational Effectiveness, Executive Director for Secondary Schools in the West Zone, and Director of School Performance. Dr. Yarbrough has been in educational administration since 2002 and served as a principal of Francis Scott Key Middle School and Paint Branch High School in Montgomery County. She is the recipient of several system, state and national awards and citations and is highly regarded for her development of educational policy and strategic initiatives to improve academic performance and operational efficiency.
Dr. Yarbrough earned her bachelor of science and master of arts degrees from Bowie State University. She holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Maryland, College Park.
“Our search for a new superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools attracted interest from a diverse pool of applicants who represented a wide array of experiences and expertise,” said Jane Lichter, chair of the Board of Education. “After conducting a thorough review of the applications, conducting in-person interviews with four finalists, and reviewing the feedback of more than 50 staff, students and stakeholders who participated on the interview panels, the Board strongly believes that Dr. Yarbrough has the experience, passion, and vision to serve BCPS. She is a skilled and thoughtful leader who is prepared to respond to the urgent needs of Team BCPS. She has built strong relationships with staff and stakeholders across the county and the board received more than 40 letters from members of the community in support of her candidacy. We look forward to working closely with her to build upon the strengths of this system and to ensure all BCPS students reach their highest potential.”
“Dr. Yarbrough understands the challenges our school system faces and has an unwavering belief in the potential of all our students and staff,” said Robin Harvey, vice chair of the Board of Education. We need someone who will take immediate and strategic action on behalf of our 111,000 students and Dr. Yarbrough has shared a clear plan to move this system forward.”
“Congratulations to Dr. Myriam Yarbrough, Baltimore County Public Schools’ next superintendent,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. “Selecting a superintendent is the most important decision the Board of Education makes, and I trust that BCPS has selected a visionary, inclusive, and results-driven leader who shares my values and expectation of openness and transparency, academic excellence and school safety. I look forward to continuing to build a collaborative relationship with Dr. Yarbrough so that we can tackle our shared challenges and provide a world-class education for every student across Baltimore County.”
“I am extremely pleased and excited for the selection of Dr. Myriam Yarbrough as our next superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools,” said County Council Chair Julian Jones. “I have known Dr. Yarbrough for some time, she is homegrown and possesses the requisite work ethic as demonstrated throughout her career. I am confident that Dr. Yarbrough will lead our schools with dignity, integrity, and leadership that unequivocally ensures our children are successful. I look forward to her leadership and as Council Chair, a continued partnership that will provide a world-class education for all students.”
“Dr. Yarbrough knows our children, our staff, our partners, and understands the importance of working together for the common good,” said Delegate Cheryl Pasteur. “She brings continuity, knowledge of the system, knowledge of human and capital resources, and a deep and personal commitment to the students of Baltimore County and I look forward to working with her and members of the Board of Education to continue advocate for the needs of our children and school system.”
A series of public meetings will be scheduled in the near future for the community to meet Dr. Yarbrough prior to her assuming the job as superintendent on July 1, 2023. The meetings will offer Dr. Yarbrough the opportunity to connect with parents, business, education, civic and community leaders, and the community at large and learn about their ideas and hopes for BCPS.
“I am honored to be selected as the next superintendent of BCPS and I look forward to working closely with the Board of Education to deliver on our commitment to improve academic outcomes, foster operational excellence, and prioritize resources, investments and supports in the most critical areas of need for the system to ensure success moving forward,” said Dr. Yarbrough. “My educational career began at Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County more than 26 years ago and now, as deputy superintendent, it has been my mission to listen and to learn from our students, staff, and stakeholders that are the foundation of this school system, and to lead and empower teams to remove barriers to student success. I am grateful for this opportunity to continue to serve BCPS students, staff and families and build upon a shared vision that BCPS can and will be among the highest performing school system in the nation.”
As the superintendent search process ends, the Board would like to thank stakeholders for participating and providing insights throughout the process. This outcome would not have been possible without the active participation of the community. Community members, parents, staff, and students shared their perspectives, opinions, concerns and ideas through community forums, focus groups and a survey. This information formed the foundation of the criteria the Board used to evaluate candidates. Additionally, a group of more than 50 stakeholders that drew widely and broadly from the community met with each of the finalists and provided invaluable insights to the Board.
Dr. Yarbrough lives in Prince George’s County with her family.
