The Washington County Board of Education: Governance, Structure, and Impact
The Washington County Board of Education plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of Washington County, Maryland. This article delves into the Board's structure, responsibilities, and its interaction with the broader educational ecosystem.
Overview of the Board of Education
The Washington County Public School System is governed by the County Board of Education (Code Education Article, secs. 4-101 through 4-126). The Board of Education has control over educational matters that affect Washington County (Code Education Article, secs. The Board is composed of eight members. Seven are elected by the voters to four-year terms (Code Election Law Article, secs. 8-801 through 8-806). A nonvoting student member, selected by the Washington County Association of Student Councils, serves a one-year term (Code Education Article, secs. 3-1301 through 3-1303). A president and vice-president for the Board annually are chosen in December (Code Education Article, sec. 4-107). The Superintendent of Schools serves as executive officer, secretary, and treasurer of the Board (Code Education Article, sec.
Structure and Composition
The Board's structure ensures a blend of community representation and student voice. Seven members are elected by voters to serve four-year terms (Code Election Law Article, secs. 8-801 through 8-806). In addition, a nonvoting student member, selected by the Washington County Association of Student Councils, serves a one-year term, providing a crucial link to the student body (Code Education Article, secs. 3-1301 through 3-1303). Each December, the Board chooses a president and vice-president (Code Education Article, sec. 4-107). The Superintendent of Schools serves as the executive officer, secretary, and treasurer of the Board (Code Education Article, sec.
Oversight and Authority
The County Board of Education governs the Washington County Public School System (Code Education Article, secs. 4-101 through 4-126). The Charles County government exercises authority over the County Public Schools through the review and approval of the annual operating and capital budgets. The State Department of Education also has considerable oversight of county public schools through the establishment and monitoring of various financial and academic policies and regulations. Under Maryland law, the State Department of Education works with county public schools to comply with requirements and mandates of federal law.
The Washington County Public School System
The Washington County Public School System operates 43 schools. In Washington County, the Public School System has forty-four schools. These include 7 high schools, 7 middle schools, 25 elementary schools, 1 combined school, 1 alternative center, 2 special education centers, and 1 outdoors center. As of the 2023-2024 school year, Washington County Public Schools had 1,563.60 full-time classroom teachers. The Superintendent of Schools administers the County Public School System (Code Education Article, secs.
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Educational Support Personnel
WCPS celebrated the 2026 Educational Support Personnel (ESP) of the Year finalists. Finalists included Erik DeVault from the WCPS IT team, who provides essential technology support for both students and staff at South High and Emma K Doub School for Integrated Arts & Technology. Michael Smith, a Safety & Security Assistant at Springfield Middle School, was also a finalist. Crystal Tobery, representing Food & Nutrition Services, was another finalist. Wayne Trapp, representing Transportation, was also a finalist.
Gold Compass Award Honorees
WCPS also recognized Gold Compass Award honorees. Kelly Miller-Secrest was recognized. Elizabeth Comstock, an Assistant Principal at Boonsboro High, was also recognized for providing steady and thoughtful leadership. Ann Palmer, a 3rd grade teacher at Pangborn Elementary, was recognized for creating a classroom where every student is challenged and supported to reach high expectations. Marsha Secrest, Interactive Media Production teacher at North Hagerstown High, was also recognized.
Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown Community College was founded as Hagerstown Junior College in 1946. The College's original purpose was to help veterans returning from World War II gain an education and enter the job market. The Board consists of seven members. They are appointed to six-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. The President of Hagerstown Community College serves as secretary/treasurer to the Board (Code Education Article, sec.
University System of Maryland Hagerstown
Opened in January 2005, the University System of Maryland Hagerstown is a regional higher education center. It offers upper-level undergraduate and graduate programs at Hagerstown from six University System of Maryland schools based elsewhere. The Council is made up of the provosts of the participating institutions.
Washington County Free Library
The Washington County Free Library began in 1898. In April 1905, it introduced the first bookmobile in the nation. Drawn by two horses, the "library wagon" began by delivering boxes of books to either the general stores or post offices in the towns and villages throughout the County. Based in Hagerstown, the main Library formerly was located at 101 Tandy Drive, but later moved to its present location at 100 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown. The main Libray has seven branches. They are in Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Hancock, Keedysville, Sharpsburg, Smithsburg, and Williamsport. Sharpsburg Branch Library is located at 106 East Main St., Sharpsburg, Maryland.
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Origins of the Hancock War Memorial Library trace to 1907 when a librarian would travel once a week from Hagerstown to Hancock. Thereafter a library building was constructed in 1969 at Hancock in tribute to armed services veterans of Hancock. That building suffered from structural problems and floods in the 1990s. It was moved to Widmyer Park in 1997. Opened on October 30, 2018, a new library replaced the original structure. At Clear Spring, the Leonard P. Appointed by the Board of Library Trustees, the nine members of the Board of Library Trustees serve six-year terms (Code Education Article, secs.
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