Prince George’s County Schools are under new leadership.
County Executive Rushern Baker used his executive power to name a new Board of Education chair Saturday. He hopes that by appointing Dr. Segun Eubank, more local families will keep their kids in public schools, but some parents say that's not enough.
Jashawn Robinson and his wife are looking at a Montessori program run by the public school system for their twins, who start school next year, but if that doesn’t work out, “The option, we feel like right now, aren’t necessarily the greatest public-wise, so we are also looking into private options as well,” Robinson said.
Eubanks will replace the acting Board of Education Chair Verjeana Jacobs, who will stay on as a regular board member. A new law gave Baker power to make the appointment.
“The legislation is what it is,” Jacobs said. “I’m here to help with transition and help do that in a way that’s professional.”
She opposed Baker’s drive to change the way the school system is governed, saying the system already is making great progress with double digit gains by students in various areas.
“It’s a reality, I think, that the fruit of our hard labor will likely be enjoyed by Mr. Baker and his team, because we have already done the great work,” Jacobs said.
The infighting discouraged parents like Robinson, who hope that now that the law has passed the direction will be clear, making his own direction clearer as well.
“We’re not trying to knock Prince George’s education system at all,” he said. “We just feel like there are a few options that are great, but there just needs to be more of them.”
Three more new appointments to the board remain to be made.
Photo Credit: NBCWashington.com