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PGCPS Interim Superintendent Reflects on first 100 days, addresses staffing, safety, and eligibility concerns.
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Prince George’s County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Shawn Joseph is marking his first 100 days on the job, saying he feels optimistic about the district’s progress — but acknowledges there’s more work ahead.
“I feel great,” Joseph said in an interview with WUSA9. He noted that while the district is celebrating student gains in reading and math, leaders are now focused on accelerating that growth.
“The work ahead of us is how do we put pressure in the right spaces and places to get improvement,” he said.
Staffing shortages have been a persistent issue for the county, particularly among teachers and bus drivers. Joseph said the district has made measurable progress.
“We’re at a 90 percent fill rate for teachers, which is higher than it’s been in recent years,” Joseph said. “We also improved the bus driver situation, which has been a long-going challenge.”
Student and staff health remains a top priority following several troubling incidents earlier this year. In March, the district experienced a flu outbreak that led to the deaths of two students. More recently, schools saw a spike in hand, foot and mouth disease cases.
Joseph said PGCPS has been working closely with county health officials and student services teams to ensure children are protected.
“Last year we had 4,000 students who did not have their immunizations done by Sept. 30. This year we have 44,” he said. “We’ve worked relentlessly to improve immunizations.”
The superintendent also addressed the recent suspension of two county coaches after athletic eligibility rules were violated.
“I think we had instances where somehow, some way, it slipped through the cracks and kids who were not eligible played,” Joseph said. “It does a disservice to teams. It does a disservice to all students. We just have to be better at monitoring that, and so we tightened up.”
Looking ahead, Joseph said he’s focused on guiding the district’s strategic plan and budget discussions. Priorities include investments in artificial intelligence tools to support staff and students, expanded professional development and competitive teacher salaries.
“I think we just have to have a bold vision and execute,” he said.
Joseph will join WUSA9 live in studio Thursday morning to discuss his first 100 days and answer viewer questions.
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