PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Change is coming to Prince George's County in the form of a new CEO for the public school system. On Wednesday, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks made the official announcement that Millard House II would be stepping into the role.
House, 51, will be picking off where Dr. Monica Goldson left off. Goldson broke the news on Jan. 5 that she would be retiring from the role of CEO of Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) by the end of the 2022-2023 academic year. The news came after 32 years with the school system.
The new CEO formerly served as superintendent of the 210,000-student Houston Independent School District. This is the 8th largest district in the nation and largest in the state of Texas. Millard left as the Texas Education Agency (TEA) was set to takeover the school district beginning June 1. The takeover, which was first initiated in 2019, was based on failing schools and other issues prior to House's tenure, and is still seen as hostile state action by critics.
In Houston, House was applauded by supporters for turning around 40 out of 50 failing schools and improving teacher retention, according to Alsobrooks.
Before the Houston role, House took on responsibilities as the director of schools at Clarksville-Montgomery County School System in Tennessee, served as CEO at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, and was the deputy superintendent at Tulsa Public Schools in Oklahoma.
Alsobrooks said the selection of House was made after a nationwide search, as well as the help of focus groups, surveys, and interviews to gauge the community during the efforts. The majority of the survey responses received stated that the "ideal CEO candidate would be courageous, innovative, a collaborative leader, and an outstanding communicator." And in response, she said she believes that they got all of those things right with House.
"Mr. House is eminently qualified," the county executive said as she introduced House. "He comes to us with over two decades of leadership experience. He has a well-rounded background that makes him the perfect fit for our school system," she said as she proudly introduced him.
She also said House has experience leading diverse school systems, like PGCPS, successfully which led to her confidence choosing him.
"I was asked a question about 'Why Prince George's County?" House said. "And it came back down to a conversation that I initially had with the current CEO, Dr. Monica Goldson, where she indicated, 'Well, you know I'm leaving. And I'm retiring.' And at that time it was established that I would be heading out as well so through a few more conversations and opportunities to engage with her it became crystal clear that I would be making a run for this opportunity."
House said he battled dyslexia as a student, failed to get into physical therapy school after college, and became a barber before starting as a substitute teacher in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
"I saw the power of hope and the power of possibility," House recalled of his teaching days, which inspired him to continue a career in education.
In Prince George's County, House will need to tackle numerous issues including burned out teachers quitting at high rates, despite recent pay hikes, the fact that only 25% of students are meeting expectations o state language and reading tests and a school board infamous for battling each other over bogus ethics claims.
House promised to get to know the county's contentious Board of Education in a series of private retreats because he said board meetings are not a good place to get acquainted.
He also promised to conduct a listening tour of the county to get to know parents, teachers and other stakeholders.
Union leaders said they are ready to unify behind a new leader.
"I think he's going to bring a lot of fresh perspective to [PGCPS] and provide us with the catalyst for change," said Donna Christy, President of the Prince George's County Educators Association. .
ACE- AFSCME local 2250 President Martin Diggs, who represents transportation and other support workers, said he is "very hopeful."
"One thing that you can really explain is the energy in this room right now," Diggs said after meeting with House.
Watch the full announcement here:
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