Superintendent of Schools James E. Richmond received several honors during the Board of Education’s June 11 meeting, including the presentation of a citation from Gov. Martin O’Malley, to highlight his 47-year career in education with Charles County Public Schools, and contributions he has made for children in the Charles County community.
Pat Foerster, education policy advisor with the governor’s office, presented a citation to Richmond on behalf of Gov. O’Malley and the state of Maryland to recognize the successes the school system has experienced under his leadership. During her introductory comments, Foerster specifically acknowledged the reading program in Charles County and the high participation rate of the school system in the TELL Maryland survey. “You leave behind a legacy for the school system of putting programs in place that put children first. The people of Maryland celebrate your passion and vision,” she added.
Richmond was humbled to accept the citation and thanked the Board members and staff for helping him make the school system successful. “I have to thank the staff and Board members who have supported me all of these years. Without the support of everyone and their dedication to the goals of the school system, we would not have experienced the successes we have seen over the years,” Richmond said. In addition to the citation presentation, Richmond was also honored during two additional presentations at the Board meeting.
Col. David Reilly, a JROTC instructor at Thomas Stone High School, presented Richmond with a plaque from the Charles County Junior Reserves Officers Training Corp (JROTC) program. The award was presented by Reilly on behalf of the JROTC faculty and student cadets, and honors Richmond for his efforts in establishing the program in all Charles County public high schools. In introducing the award, Board member Col. Donald Wade fought back tears as he expressed how proud he is of the contributions Richmond has made to the JROTC program. “As a son of Charles County, I have seen the area transition from back woods farms to cultured learning. That is where we are today as a result of programs such as the JROTC,” Wade said.
As he presented Richmond with the plaque, Reilly said he was first hired by the school system about 20 years ago when the JROTC program was introduced at Stone and is thankful for the opportunity to work with cadets in training. The plaque honors service members for their contributions to JROTC programs. Wade worked with Reilly to make the surprise plaque presentation to Richmond at the Board meeting.
During the meeting, Richmond was also honored by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) local union with a surprise donation to a community organization in his honor. AFSCME President Bill McLaughlin, who is an electrician with the school system, along with Guy Genovese, a Council 67 union representative for Charles County Public Schools, partnered with LifeStyles of Maryland, Inc. to sponsor a $1,000 donation in Richmond’s
