UPDATED on May 17, 2015
Dear Parents and Community Members,
I am writing to update you on the search for the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools.
Today, May 17, 2015, Dr. Andrew Houlihan informed the Montgomery County Board of Education that he is withdrawing from consideration for the position. My Board colleagues and I appreciate Dr. Houlihan’sinterest in the position and wish him the best of luck in the future.
The Board will continue to focus on its search for the next superintendent of schools.
With regards,
Patricia B. O’Neill, president
Montgomery County Board of Education
Posted on May 14, 2015
Dear Parents and Community Members,
I want to provide an update to you on the search for our new superintendent of schools. The Board of Education is continuing the search process and has identified a preferred candidate for the position—Dr. Andrew Houlihan, who is currently serving as chief academic officer of the Houston Independent School District (HISD).
Our national search has attracted interest from a diverse pool of applicants who represent a wide array of experiences and expertise. The Board reviewed the applications and credentials of 25 candidates from 17 states and conducted in-person interviews with seven people—all of whom work in mid-sized to large districts as a superintendent, deputy superintendent, or senior executive.
Dr. Houlihan has served in a number of senior leadership roles in HISD—the nation’s 7th largest district—including chief officer in charge of major projects, school support, and human resources. In each of these roles, he has focused intensely on school improvement, including his work with 11 schools that are part of the district’s innovative Apollo 20 turnaround initiative. He has extensive experience working with schools that are highly impacted by poverty and has served as principal of a Title 1 school. He also has helped establish innovative programs in schools throughout HISD, including dual language and academy programs.
As part of the process, Dr. Houlihan met with a community panel of Montgomery County stakeholders today (Thursday, May 14). I assembled this panel to provide feedback and insight to Board members as we approach a final decision. We have begun the process of reviewing and considering this feedback. In the coming weeks, a contingent of the Board will conduct a site visit to Houston to meet with stakeholders and Dr. Houlihan’s colleagues. We will then consider the interviews, community feedback, and the findings during the site visit before making a final decision. We still expect to have a new superintendent in place by July 1, 2015.
My Board colleagues and I want to thank those of you who have participated in the search process and have taken the time to share your thoughts with us. We look forward to working with you and our next superintendent to provide our students with a world-class education that prepares them to thrive in their future.
With regards,
Patricia B. O’Neill
