Dr. Monica Goldson was named new interim chief executive officer of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), according to a press release from the school district’s communications office. Goldson, who has spent her entire 27-year education career with PGCPS, was appointed by County Executive Rushern L. Baker III.
Goldson previously served as the school system’s deputy superintendent of teaching and learning. She was unanimously named acting CEO on July 12 after the previous CEO, Kevin Maxwell, left amid controversies.
In an interview with FOX 5 DC after her appointment, Goldson promised a system of accountability and transparency in the school district. Last week, she announced a re-organization of central office positions in order to direct $1 million more in funding toward schools.
A Prince George’s County native, Goldson graduated from Potomac High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Florida A&M, a master’s in education from Bowie State and an Ed. D. from Howard University.
She began her education career as a math teacher at Suitland High School before serving as assistant principal at Forestville and Frederick Douglass high schools. She then served as principal at Frederick Douglass High and was the founding principal at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School when it opened in 2006 before moving to various roles in the PGCPS central office.
Goldson’s interim appointment is for one year, and the next county executive, who will take office in December, can choose to extend her contract after that.