001Afternoon. This is Chairwoman Jane Lichter. I call to order the special meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County for Wednesday, June 24th, 2026. This evening's Board of Education meeting is being broadcast through the BCPS online live meeting broadcast and on BCPS TV, Comcast Xfinity channel 1073, and Verizon Fios channel 34. In order to efficiently conduct this meeting, all voting items this evening will be done by roll call vote. May I have a motion to go into closed session as permitted by the Open Meetings Act as found in the Annotated Code of Maryland, General Provisions Article 3-305 B1 and B7 to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction or any other personnel matter that affects one or
002more specific individuals and consult with legal to obtain and consult with counsel to obtain legal advice. >> So moved, Pomfrey. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> Second, Hen. >> Thank you. May have a roll call vote, please? >> Mr. Young? >> Yes. >> Ms. Domanelski? >> Yes. >> Ms. Hen? >> Yes. >> Ms. Van Tong? >> Yes. >> Ms. Thornton? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ogombe? >> Yes. >> Ms. Doleski? >> Yes. >> Dr. Savoy? >> Yes. >> Mr. McMillan? Ms. Pomfrey? >> Yes. >> Ms. Lichter? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Mhm. >> of the Board of Education of Baltimore County for Wednesday, June 24th, 2026. I invite you to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag to be led by Ms. Foresight Ngambe. We will then have a moment of silence
003in recognition of those who have served education in Baltimore County. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, is one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Tonight's Board of Education meeting is being broadcast through the BCPS online live meeting broadcast and on BCPS TV, Comcast Xfinity channel 1073, and Verizon Fios channel 34. In order to officially conduct this meeting, all voting items this evening will be done by roll call vote. The first item on the agenda is the consideration of the June 24th agenda. Are there any additions or changes to tonight's agenda? Hearing none, the agenda stands as presented. Earlier this evening, the board met in closed session pursuant to the Open Meetings Act for
004the following reasons: to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction, or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals, and consult with counsel to obtain legal advice. The closed session summary and the open session information summary can be found on BoardDocs under this board meeting agenda date. Okay. The next item on the agenda is consideration of the appointment of Superintendent of Schools. May I have a motion to appoint Dr. William Hyser as the Superintendent of Schools for Baltimore County Public Schools for a 4-year term beginning July 1st, 2026, contingent upon the successful negotiation of an employment contract. >> So moved, Ms. Henn. >> Thank you. Do I have a second? >> Second, Stolowski. >> Thank
005you. Any discussion? May I have a roll call vote, please? >> Mr. Young? >> Yes. >> Ms. Dominalski? >> Yes. >> Ms. Hen? >> Yes. >> Ms. Frempong? >> No. >> Ms. Thornton? >> I abstain. >> Ms. Agoumba? >> Yes. >> Ms. Dolewski? >> Yes. >> Dr. Savoy? >> Abstain. >> Mr. McMillan? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pumphrey? >> Yes. >> Ms. Lichter? >> Yes. >> Favors eight. >> So, the motion carries. >> [applause] >> So, on behalf of the Board of Education, I want to congratulate and welcome our newly appointed superintendent, Dr. William Hyser. This is an important moment for our school system, and we're excited to begin this next chapter under his leadership. Throughout the selection process, the board sought a leader who understands the responsibility of serving every student, supporting every school, and
006working in partnership with families, educators, staff, and the broader community. It was imperative that we select someone who would continue to move our system forward and expand on the significant progress and growth we achieved under the leadership of our outgoing superintendent, Dr. Rogers. Dr. Hyser's vision for student achievement, his passion for public education, and his diverse experiences in education, all contributed significantly to the board's decision. We believe he brings not only the professional qualities required for this role, but also a deep commitment and a collaborative spirit needed for the critical work. We look forward to working with him as we continue to strengthen teaching and learning, expand opportunities for students, and build on our strong foundation. The board also wants to express its sincere appreciation to Team BCPS for your meaningful participation throughout this process.
007Your voices guided this important decision. We are grateful to everyone who attended community input forums, public hearings, completed online surveys, participated in the town hall meet and greet, submitted questions, and served on interview panels. We recognize that the search timeline was more condensed than previous searches. However, I want to reassure the community that this was a comprehensive national search that yielded highly qualified candidates. Ray Associates worked diligently with the board to identify candidates that met our high standards for excellence, innovation, and achievement. We truly value your input and feedback. Your engagement reflected the care, the hopes, and the high expectations this community has for its school system. To our new superintendent, Dr. Heiser, congratulations on your appointment. We welcome you with confidence and optimism, and we stand ready to partner with you in service of
008our students, staff, families, and community. Together, we will continue working to ensure that every student is supported, challenged, inspired, and prepared for a bright and successful future. Thank you. And Dr. Heiser, would you like to um say a few words? Please feel free to come up. It's your last time sitting on that side. Next time you're on this side. Good evening, and congratulations again. >> Thank you. Well, first, it's really wonderful to see all of you, and thank you for everyone that is that has turned out, and for um the vote of confidence. Confidence, I am deeply honored and truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools. Thank you to each of you, to the Board of Education, for your trust and confidence in leading and helping me lead
009this great school system, and it is a great school system. I recognize the seriousness of your decision tonight, the responsibility of my role to lead this school system, and the impact it will have on students and the broader community. I'm also very grateful to my family, is here with me tonight. I'm joined by my wife Tracy of 28 years and our two amazing sons Caden and Conlan. Thank you for your love and unwavering support. My family is my foundation and as a family we value and believe deeply in the importance and the power of education and how it can change lives. On a professional level, I'd also like to thank my current superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, superintendent of Anne Arundel County, who have guided me over the past 3 years and has been a mentor.
010I have a couple of board members here tonight with me from Anne Arundel and I also want to thank the entire board of Anne Arundel for their support. And all the colleagues through the years who have helped me grow as a leader. I certainly have gotten not gotten here alone. There have been many people who have stood by me, supported me, and helped me grow and I hope to do the same with the students of Baltimore County and all the wonderful staff that I'll work with. I'm really excited to join team BCPS again and I want to acknowledge the strength of BCPS. We have dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff across the entire school system. I'm looking forward to getting to started with team BCPS. We have exceptional students and I learned that in speaking with
011them during the interview process, but I knew it all along. Students who are smart, innovative, talented, resilient, and kind. And we have communities who care deeply about the success of this school system. And I've committed to working with every community and all students across our school system. Now, like all large school system, we face some real challenges ahead. And I'm confident that we'll tackle those challenges transparently, collaboratively, and strategically. Every decision we make and end with one question and one question only. What is best for students? I'll be a superintendent who listens to students. We must hear their voices, understand their needs, and respond with urgency. I see immense potential in this school system and we'll be able to talk more about that at the press conference coming up. But we're going to build on
012the progress, the great progress that's been made in the last several years. And I'm confident that we'll improve student outcomes, support our outstanding teachers and staff, strengthen trust with families and communities, and reinforce the belief in BCPS and Public education remains the foundation for strong communities. I pledge to be a great partner with this Board of Education, with the educators across our system, and with our families and community and business leaders. We'll lead with openness, clarity, and accountability. I look forward to listening and learning and working alongside this community, the broader BCPS community. This moment is not about one leader. It's about a shared commitment to children, which we all have. Once again, thank you to the Board of Education, our students and families, and the entire BCPS community. Thank you. >> Thank you. >>
013[applause] >> So, I guess the smiley people behind you are your board your >> [laughter] >> your board members. Thank you for being here tonight. So, thank you very much and congratulations to you and your family. >> Thank you. >> The last item on the agenda is announcements. The board's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Thank you for joining us tonight. At this time, the board will reconvene for closed session. Thank you. >> Mhm.