Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent S. Dallas Dance announced his resignation Tuesday morning.
Dance released a statement outlining his decision to “transition to another chapter” of his career. His last day will be June 30, according to school officials.
Read the full statement below:
“The last five years serving as Superintendent of Team BCPS have been the best years of my professional life. As I stated in my latest State of the Schools message, I have led this organization from my heart believing that we could move mountains, and while not literally, we have begun tackling some large complex issues, which will take us time, effort, energy, and commitment to realize its full impact. However, I believe our county and region will be better because of our strategic efforts to provide an equitable educational experience for all of our children.
While there is more work to be done; Team BCPS is certainly on the right track under the leadership of a phenomenal group of chiefs, top-notch school leaders, dedicated and caring teachers, and thousands of committed support staff all throughout our organization. I truly believe BCPS is in a better place today than when I first arrived. To that end, I now transition to another chapter of my career where I will specifically use my passion for equity and access to a quality education to ensure it is provided to all students through school, district, and community leadership.
Team BCPS is much bigger than any one individual. Therefore, the work continues, and the pride we have cultivated around our culture will deepen. I want to thank each and every person who has worked and supported us as we’ve strengthened incredible learning environments for each child in every school. I know the best days for Team BCPS are ahead, and I will always be one of its biggest cheerleaders.”
Dance came up fire last year after he retweeted a comment from Josh Starr, CEO of the education association Phi Delta Kappa International the day after the election.
Starr's tweet urged educators to show non-white students love, and was met with calls for an ethics charge against Dance, spearheaded by Del. Pat McDonough.
Baltimore County executive director Kevin Kamenetz said he spoke to dance moments before he made his resignation public.
"The statistics speak for themselves. This is a system that has vastly improved since Dallas Dance became superintendent. This guy could get a job anywhere in the country," Kamenetz said. "It's a very large school system. We're the 25th largest school district in the country and the system is very diverse and has a lot of challenges. He has a lot of energy and, you know, I think he served us well."
Dance just signed a new, four-year extension last fall for $287,000 per year.
No word on what the school district will do as far as a search for a new superintendent.
RELATED: Retweet by Baltimore County superintendent Dallas Dance stirs anger
RELATED: Baltimore County delegate calls for ethics charge against Superintendent Dallas Dance
