CCPS names new Assistant Superintendent

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The Clarke County School Board announced by email the appointment of Dr. Cathy Seal as the new Assistant Superintendent for the district.

She has served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the school division since 2014.

She began her career as a Language Arts teacher at Stanley Elementary in Page County, then as an assistant principal for Rockingham County’s Massanutten Technical Center.

Dr. Seal assumed her first leadership role in 2002 with Harrisonburg City Public School as the Supervisor of Administrative Services and Operations, and later became the first director of the Massanutten Regional Governor’s School.

Then she continued her work in Career and Technical Education as Principle of Page County’s program and a coordinator in Hanover County.

CCPS Acting Superintendent Rick Catlett served as her predecessor, with both roles effective July 1st, 2023.

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FCPS announce a plan to find a School Superintendent

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At the Dec. 6 Frederick County School Board meeting the announcement of a plan to find a Superintendent was made.

The Frederick School Board announced that they will hold closed meetings to find their candidate for the job.

The meetings will be held at an undisclosed location within the next 15 days to interview perspective candidates to fill the position.

The Frederick County School Board expects to have a new superintendent in place by the spring of 2023.

School Board Chairperson Brandon Monk disclosed at the meeting that 13 applications have been submitted but one was incomplete.

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FCPS hire a firm to seek a school superintendent

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The Frederick County School Board has entered into a contract with a firm to help find a school superintendent.

According to an email from the Director of Policy and Communications for Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Steve Edwards BWP and Associates has been contracted to help in the search.

BWP and Associates is based in Libertyville, Illinois with a satellite east coast office in Virginia.

The company has 15 years experience and has already successfully found over 45 superintendents in Virginia.

BWP and Associates has successfully found superintendents for Winchester, Rockingham, Stafford as well as Alexandria, Falls Church and Prince William County.

The company  is connected to an extensive network of educational leaders and organizations across the country.

BWP and Associates will use a four step process in their search that includes interviews with board members, group meetings, public forums and online community input.

All this to define the characteristics and skill sets the community and board believes a superintendent should have.

Ultimately the final decision for hiring the  next superintendent will be made by the 7 member school board.

BWP and Associates’ job is to find that perfect candidate for the position.

A new superintendent could be named by late December or early January according to BWP and Associates timeline.

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FCPS search for an interim Superintendent

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Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) announced the resignation of Interim School Superintendent Dr. David Martin.

Martin was appointed to the position after Dr. David Sovine announced his retirement from FCPS as their Superintendent effective June 30.

Sovine has taken the Superintend position with Washington County Maryland Public Schools on July 1.

FCPS announced the appointment of Martin in the interim Superintendent position as of July on June 28.

The Frederick County School Board accepted Martin’s resignation at the Tues. July 19 School board meeting.

Martin sighted personal reasons for leaving the post.

The search for both an interim and permanent School Superintendent is in progress in Frederick County.

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The search for Dr. Sovine’s successor begins for FCPS

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After 11 years as the Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Dr. David Sovine has announced his retirement from that school system.

Sovine has taken the Superintendent job at Maryland’s Washington County School system effective July 1.

Where Sovine credits the hard work and dedication of the teachers, administration and staff all FCPS have become fully accredited under his supervision.

Sovine is also credited with helping to create Bright Futures with the help of other community and business leaders among other accomplishments.

FCPS plans to announce the  interim Superintendent on July 1.

The search for his permanent successor will begin immediately.

The search will include input from students, parents, staff and members of the greater community.

The FCPS system announced the search for the right person is on to keep the school system moving in the right direction.

Sovine’s last day with FCPS is June 30, 2022.

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FCPS Superintendent submits his budget

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An email from Steve Edwards Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Coordinator of Policy and Communications announced the budget submission for fiscal year 2023.

FCPS Superintended David Sovine’s proposed budget presented to the School Board totals above $265 million.

Sovine’s budget proposal includes initiatives to address the priorities adopted by the School Board in the Inspire 2025 A Promise for Progress plan.

Information on the Inspire 2025 Promise for Progress plan can be found here.

Sovine’s budget includes a request for 55 new positions including 29 teacher positions.

The proposed budget includes a five percent salary initiative that would provide step movement and salary enhancement on all pay tables.

Sovine anticipates the pay increase will make it easier to attract and retain staff.

The breakdown of the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget for FY23 is available here.

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FCPS recognizes support staff

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A Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) press release honors school support staff.

Superintendent David Sovine has recognized five outstanding employees with support staff awards according to the release.

Among those recognized bus driver Esther Cobb, custodian Deborah Landis, special instructor Laura Anderson, Nutritionist Rebecca Lauck and Secretary Lisa Martin.

All those first place recipients received a plague along with a $500 gift for their service.

Those who came in second place or runners ups in the various categories each received a certificate and a $250 gift.

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FCPS Board extends superintendent’s contract

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Frederick County School Board has extended the contract of Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Sovine.

The extension runs through June 30, 2025.

Sovine’s 10 years of service and extension marks the longest tenure as Superintendent since Dr. Melton F. Wright.

Wright served as superintendent from 1968 to 1982.

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