WESTOVER — With approval by the State Superintendent of Schools and pending signing of a contract the next Superintendent of Somerset County Public Schools will be Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell, an instructional director and assistant superintendent of schools in Prince George’s County.

The Board of Education is anticipated to take formal action on her contract at its meeting this week on Tuesday, June 18 and her first official day of work is July 1.

She was selected by the Board of Education following a national search to succeed Dr. John Gaddis who is retiring at the end of June after 11 years as superintendent.

Dr. Tasker-Mitchell has over 20 years of experience in Maryland public schools holding multiple educational positions including: teacher, assistant principal, principal and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Anne Arundel County Public Schools; and Assistant Superintendent of Schools/ Executive Director of Principal Support in Baltimore City Public Schools.

In addition, she has worked in rural, suburban and urban school districts, with a focus on improving outcomes for students, teachers and families. Her focus on leadership, teaching, learning and data earned her recognition from the Maryland State Department of Education for increasing student performance.

Board of Education Chair Bill McInturff stated, “We are fortunate for the opportunity to appoint a professional of Dr. Tasker-Mitchell’s caliber to lead our school system.

“Our decision has been approved by the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carey Wright, and we look forward to beginning to work with Dr. Tasker-Mitchell this summer. Together, we are optimistic about meeting our challenges and helping our students reach their academic potential while readying them for future success.

“The Board is grateful to Dr. Gaddis for his service to our community and we wish him well in his retirement.”

Dr. Tasker-Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Salisbury University, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Towson University, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

She was also selected to participate in Harvard University’s Public Educator Leadership Program, AASA’s (American Association of School Administrators) Superintendent Academy and Maryland’s Inaugural Superintendent’s Academy. She is an exercise enthusiast who said she loves the outdoors and riding her motorcycle.

Dr. Tasker-Mitchell was selected over finalist Brian Curtis.