LA PLATA, Md. – Dr. Maria Navarro, an education consultant and longtime Maryland educator, is the next superintendent of Charles County Public Schools (CCPS). The Board of Education today announced the appointment of Navarro, who begins her term July 1.
The Board of Education of Charles County on June 17 approved the appointment of Dr. Maria Navarro as the next Charles County Public Schools Superintendent. Navarro begins her term as superintendent on July 1. Pictured, from left, are Board Member Tajala Battle-Lockhart, Board Chairperson Latina Wilson, Dr. Maria Navarro, Board Members Jennifer Abell, Elizabeth Brown and David Hancock, and Board Vice Chairperson Virginia McGraw. Board Member Michael Lukas joined the June 17 meeting virtually.
Navarro’s term follows that of Dr. Kimberly Hill, who retires at the end of this month after two terms as superintendent and a 35-year career with CCPS. As the next superintendent of Charles County Public Schools, Navarro brings nearly 25 years of educational and leadership experience to the school system.
Navarro said she is excited to lead Charles County Public Schools as the next superintendent.
“I am thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to serve the students and families of Charles County Public Schools. I look forward to working alongside the talented and committed staff of CCPS to ensure the success of every student in our schools,” Navarro said.
About Maria Navarro, Ed.D.
Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., is a veteran educator who has served in various teaching and leadership roles in Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C. Navarro is currently an education consultant working to support school systems and government agencies to improve learning opportunities for young people. Prior to her consultancy work, Navarro was the chief academic officer for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland for six years, where she oversaw the expansion of prekindergarten and dual language programs. Under her leadership, MCPS adopted new district curriculum and interventions to support student learning, which expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and early college opportunities for high school students. Notably, during Navarro’s tenure, MCPS experienced steady increases in student course enrollment and test participation in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate courses.
Navarro also worked in Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) for five years as the acting Chief Academic Officer. During her tenure in Baltimore City, Navarro led several high-profile strategic initiatives, including implementing the Common Core Standards, the development of a new framework for the evaluation of teachers and school administrators, and principal leadership development. Prior to joining Baltimore City schools, Navarro worked as a senior-level administrator for the Christina School District in Delaware and as a teacher and administrator for the Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School in Washington, D.C.
Navarro holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, a master’s degree in science education from Temple University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from The George Washington University. Navarro is bilingual and speaks Spanish and English, and has intermediate proficiency in French and Portuguese.
The Superintendent Search
Board of Education Chairperson Latina Wilson said the Board looked for a candidate with a strong vision to lead CCPS in the right direction toward educational equity, addressing academic achievement and learning gaps, and preparing children for success after graduation.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Navarro as our next Superintendent. She brings a strong educational background that right from the start will be impactful and will build upon the successes set in place by our outgoing superintendent, Dr. Kimberly Hill. Both are champion educators, and we appreciate that our students will continue to grow through the excellence of Dr. Navarro’s leadership,” Wilson said.
The Board started its superintendent search earlier this year and partnered with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) to lead its process. During its national search, the Board focused on selecting an innovative candidate to lead CCPS after a global pandemic. After reviewing applications and virtual interviews, the Board selected Navarro as one of three superintendent finalists. The Board announced the finalists last month.
Community input
Due to COVID-19 and social distancing, the Board solicited community input virtually. Once the finalists were announced, the Board conducted a community survey for interview questions. The survey resulted in more than 2,500 submissions and the Board chose the top five questions. Each finalist participated in a virtual interview with Chairperson Wilson that was posted on the CCPS website for community view. Surveys were created for each finalist and posted with each candidate’s virtual interview.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,000 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.