On Thursday, January 5, Dr. Monica Goldson, chief executive officer of Prince George’s County Public Schools, announced her intention to retire at the end of this school year. Goldson has led the school system since 2018 when she was appointed interim CEO by then-county executive Rushern Baker. She was selected as the permanent CEO a year later by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
Goldson began her career with Prince George’s County Public Schools as a mathematics teacher at Suitland High. Goldson’s announcement said she had reached her decision to retire after careful thought, prayer and discussion with her family. It then went on to acknowledge problems with the county school board, in which, she said, “There is a clear divide of philosophical beliefs.” Goldson stated further, “To be clear, the current acrimony is not about one board chair. It is another example of the board’s inability to work together in the best interest of our students. The continued political infighting among certain board members demonstrates a misalignment in the vision for the children of this county.”
Recent chair Juanita Miller is facing state charges of misconduct in office, neglect of duty and incompetence, and last month the board failed to elect a new chair (News Review, December 22, 2022).
The Board of Education extended their congratulations in an open letter to Goldson, in which they acknowledged her leadership and impact over 32 years of service to Prince George’s County Public Schools. The letter, signed by Miller as chair and Lolita E. Walker as vice-chair, did not address or acknowledge Goldson’s criticism of the board.