LaShana Matthews

This vision document, 'Imagine 2022,' outlines the aspirations for Wicomico County Public Schools by the year 2022. Key objectives include ensuring kindergartners are prepared for learning, achieving high school graduation rates approaching 90%, and recruiting and retaining top-tier educators. The vision further emphasizes fostering incredible learning environments, inspiring critical thinking, preparing students for both college and career pathways, and developing them into responsible and productive citizens.

This strategic plan, titled 'Imagine 2022', outlines the continuous improvement efforts for Wicomico County Public Schools. It focuses on achieving three core goals: increasing kindergarten readiness, improving graduation rates, and recruiting and retaining a high-performing workforce. The plan emphasizes a future focus on enhancing school climate, student achievement, staff success, and community engagement. Key initiatives include expanding career technology education offerings, developing an early college program in computer science, and conducting an education specification study for a Performing Arts High School.

The board meeting centered on the honorary conferral of a high school diploma to a military veteran who had served in the United States Navy. The superintendent detailed the veteran's military service and explained the legal requirements met to grant the diploma, acknowledging his contributions to the country and expressing gratitude for his service.

This strategic plan for Wicomico County Public Schools aims to increase student achievement and eliminate learning gaps across all schools. It focuses on two primary strategic priorities: academic achievement in elementary and middle school reading and mathematics, with a specific emphasis on improving outcomes for Special Education and English Learner (EL) populations. The plan incorporates research-based instructional practices, technology integration, professional development, and data-driven decision-making, with a target of 60% of all students and specialized populations meeting their annual projected growth targets in literacy and mathematics.

The Wicomico County Board of Education convened a special meeting to appoint a new Superintendent of Schools. The sequence of events leading to the appointment was reviewed, including the timeline from the previous superintendent's retirement announcement to the selection of finalists. Dr. Micah Stauffer was appointed to a four-year term as Superintendent of Schools for the Wicomico Public Schools, effective July 1, 2022, contingent upon final negotiation of an employment agreement and written approval of the state superintendent of schools.