Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker wants to personally fix the county's struggling school system.
News4 confirmed with Baker's staff that he is pushing for state legislation that would put the county executive directly in charge of the Prince George's County Public Schools superintendent and the school system's budget. The legislation will be introduced in Annapolis next week.
"I firmly believe the children of Prince George's County deserve the best public education possible," Baker said in a statement.
"My proposal is an effort to make our schools stronger by using all the resources the County government has to offer so that our children and families have the tools they need to be successful.
"I am confident that by providing the superintendent with more autonomy, giving the school system more resources and expanding the expertise of the board of education, our schools will be able to serve the children and families of Prince George's County in a more holistic manner."
Prince George's County Public Schools is Maryland's second largest school system.
There have been 5 superintendents in 10 years, and the county's Board of Education is currently interviewing candidates to find a permanent replacement for the departed William Hite.