PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert County Board of Education unanimously approved Dr. Marcus J. Newsome as interim superintendent during its August 8, 2025, meeting, filling a leadership vacancy amid preparations for the new school year. Newsome, a veteran administrator with more than three decades in public education, steps into the role effective immediately, emphasizing priorities such as student safety, academic excellence and transparency.
Board members highlighted Newsome’s extensive resume, including prior superintendent positions in Newport News Public Schools in Virginia, where all high schools earned recognition among Newsweek’s best in America, and Chesterfield County Public Schools, honored at the White House for leadership in digital learning. His tenure at Petersburg City Public Schools was documented in the film “Petersburg Rising,” showcasing turnaround efforts in a challenged district. Newsome also founded the Virginia Superintendents Leadership Academy, providing professional development for school leaders.
In his acceptance remarks at the meeting, Newsome expressed appreciation for the board’s rigorous selection process and noted his personal stake in the community, with grandchildren attending local schools. “My family and I chose to live in Calvert County several years ago because of the reputation of this school district,” he said. He outlined five key focuses: ensuring child safety, striving for academic excellence, promoting accountability and transparency, laying groundwork for a permanent superintendent within a year, and making decisions in the best interest of children.
Newsome holds doctorates in educational leadership and Christian education. He has authored three books on educational leadership and crisis management and held academic roles at Harvard University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia State University. Currently, he serves as president of the National Bible College and Seminary and as a senior advisor with Benchmark Education. His career includes numerous national awards for innovation, mentorship and community service.
The appointment comes as Calvert County Public Schools, serving about 15,000 students across 26 facilities, navigates post-pandemic recovery and state-mandated initiatives under Maryland’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The blueprint allocates billions statewide to enhance career education, teacher pay and early childhood programs, with local districts required to align resources accordingly. Newsome’s experience in digital integration and leadership development positions him to address these mandates, including expanding apprenticeships and college pathways discussed in the same board meeting.
Board President Jana Smith-Post welcomed Newsome, stating, “We’re very excited.” The decision followed the recent departure of the previous superintendent, with the board seeking continuity during the search for a long-term leader. Newsome’s interim term is expected to last up to one year, during which he plans to partner with the board on succession planning.
Calvert County’s education system has seen steady enrollment, with recent emphases on career readiness through partnerships like the College of Southern Maryland’s early college program, where 50 students are enrolled for the 2025-26 year. State data shows Calvert’s graduation rate at 92 percent in 2024, above the Maryland average, though chronic absenteeism remains a concern at 18.5 percent, prompting new attendance strategies in the district’s strategic plan.
Newsome’s background in Virginia districts, managing budgets up to $500 million and 8,000 employees, aligns with Calvert’s $280 million operating budget and 2,000 staff. His work in digital education earned national recognition, including White House honors in 2015 for Chesterfield County’s initiatives. In Petersburg, he led efforts featured in “Petersburg Rising,” a 2018 documentary on urban school reform.
Local education observers note Newsome’s appointment reflects a focus on stability. Calvert County, with a population of about 93,000, relies on its schools as community anchors, particularly in rural areas like Prince Frederick. The district’s facilities master plan, presented at the meeting, includes co-locating new schools to optimize resources, a process Newsome will oversee.
Maryland State Department of Education guidelines require interim leaders to maintain blueprint compliance, including resource equity audits. Newsome’s academy experience could bolster professional development, addressing teacher retention amid statewide shortages.
As Southern Maryland districts adapt to funding shifts—Calvert’s state aid dropping to 51 percent by 2029—Newsome’s fiscal expertise from large Virginia systems may prove vital. His Christian education doctorate and seminary presidency add a values-based layer to his approach, though he stressed decisions centered on students.
The board’s vote followed recognitions of Huntingtown High School’s state championship teams and policy reviews, underscoring a busy agenda. Newsome concluded his remarks with, “My commitment is to make every decision that is in the best interest of children.”
Calvert’s education history includes desegregation in the 1960s and recent digital expansions. Newsome’s interim role continues this evolution, bridging to permanent leadership focused on equity and achievement.
