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This woman cried when she was named CEO of a major school system, here’s why

Dr. Monica Goldson has been with Prince George's County Maryland Schools since she was an elementary student. Now she's a beacon of stability.

LARGO, Md. — Dr. Monica Goldson choked back tears as she was named the CEO of Prince George’s County Schools Tuesday.

“Their voice is finally heard,” she said after a pause to collect herself.

She was talking about the 22,000 teachers and support staff in the school system, where she started as a teacher 28 years ago and has been ever since.

Credit: Prince George's County Schools

Prince George's County Schools have endured a revolving door of superintendents and the rocky tenure of Goldson's predecessor Dr. Kevin Maxwell, who left after child abuse scandals, grade inflation allegations, and revelations that top administrators were being given fat raises while teachers continued to work without the restoration of step raises suspended during the Great Recession.

Goldson is the first African-American woman to lead Prince George’s County Schools, and will serve shoulder to shoulder with County Executive Angela Alsobrooks who is also a black woman.

Goldson noted that only 1 percent of urban school districts are led by African American women.

Goldson said her tears were a product of her reflections on her roots in Prince George's County Schools.

She was a student at Barnaby Manor Elementary, John Hanson Junior High School and Potomac High School.

She went on to serve in the school system for 28 years as a teacher and administrator beginning as a math instructor at Suitland High School.

She served as an area deputy superintendent under Dr. Kevin Maxwell.

RELATED: Dr. Monica Goldson named CEO of Prince George's County Public Schools

Goldson said her top three priorities will to direct more funding to 45 under performing schools, expanding pre-K programs, and providing more mental health services to students.

During her 11 months serving as the interim CEO, Goldson trimmed nearly $20 million out of the headquarters administration budget and redirected the funds to begin paying back teachers for the step raises they missed during the economic downturn that started in 2009.

The step raises will be fully restored within three years, according to a new labor agreement reached with teachers under Goldson’s administration.

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