PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Dr. Andraé Townsel, superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools since July 2022, has resigned to become superintendent of Hartford Public Schools in Connecticut, but his departure has raised concerns due to a lack of prior communication with Calvert stakeholders. The Hartford Board of Education publicly announced Townsel’s unanimous appointment on July 1, 2025, after a nationwide search, yet Calvert County staff and community members were not informed by Townsel until after the news broke. The Calvert County Board of Education, led by President Jana Post, is now addressing the abrupt transition while planning for the 2025-2026 school year.
Jana Post, in a statement to the Calvert community, expressed disappointment over the communication lapse, saying, “While we recognize the significance of this professional opportunity and wish him well in his future endeavors, it is unfortunate that this news was not shared directly with staff and stakeholders prior to its public release.” The board learned of Townsel’s new role only after Hartford’s announcement, prompting immediate meetings to seek legal counsel and ensure leadership continuity. Post emphasized, “We are committed to maintaining transparency and open communication throughout this process and will share updates as they become available.”
Townsel’s resignation was formally announced in a letter to the Calvert community, where he wrote, “It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve as Superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools since July 2022. After thoughtful reflection, I have made the decision to resign from this position.” He expressed gratitude for working with educators, staff, students, and families, adding, “I hope that, in some measure, my leadership has been a blessing to this community—as much as this community has been a blessing to me.” The letter, however, did not address the timing of his announcement or the lack of prior notice to the district.
The unexpected public disclosure by Hartford has left Calvert stakeholders seeking clarity. The board’s focus is on stabilizing leadership to prevent disruptions for students and staff. The district serves a diverse student population, and the board is prioritizing a transparent process to appoint an interim or permanent superintendent. The lack of advance notice has complicated planning, as the board must now expedite its search while addressing community concerns about the sudden change.
In Hartford, Townsel succeeds Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, who will depart on August 29, 2025, after leading the district since December 2017. Hartford Public Schools, serving 16,000 students across 40 schools, faces a $6.7 million budget deficit despite $3 million in additional funding secured in May 2025. The district has cut up to 200 positions, with further reductions possible. Townsel, selected from 40 applicants, will tackle these challenges while aiming to improve academics, athletics, and arts. He stated, “I am honored and excited to serve as the next Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools. This is an incredible opportunity to work collaboratively with students, families, educators, and community partners who are deeply invested in the success of our schools.”
Hartford Board Chairperson Jennifer Hockenhull praised the appointment, saying, “The Board is incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Andraé Townsel as our new Superintendent. We were looking for a seasoned leader, and Dr. Townsel brings a wealth of experience from districts similar to ours, incredible energy, and a clear commitment to championing our district’s future.” Townsel’s prior role in Benton Harbor Area Schools in Michigan, where he was rated “highly effective,” and his three-year tenure in Calvert, focused on raising academic standards, position him to address Hartford’s financial and educational needs.
The Calvert board’s response underscores the importance of clear communication during leadership transitions. The district’s immediate steps include consulting legal experts to navigate contractual obligations and leadership changes. The board aims to maintain educational quality and community trust as it searches for a new superintendent. Townsel’s tenure in Calvert emphasized academic excellence, guided by his motto, “SET THE BAR. MEET THE BAR. EXCEED THE BAR. RAISE THE BAR!” His departure, however, has shifted attention to the need for improved internal communication protocols.
In Hartford, Townsel will engage with the community through town halls to prepare for the upcoming school year. The district’s challenges include chronic absenteeism, with nearly 40% of students missing 10% or more of school days, per May 2025 state data. His leadership will be critical in stabilizing finances and boosting student outcomes. Meanwhile, Calvert County Public Schools faces a pivotal moment, balancing the need for swift action with a thorough leadership selection process to uphold its commitment to students and staff.
Good Riddence!!
The way he left shows that the man has no ethics. Best that he is gone. Our students deserve someone who can lead by example.