Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Superintendent Carey M. Wright, Ed.D., visited Dr. James Craik Elementary School in Pomfret, Charles County, as part of her ongoing tour of Maryland schools. The visit, which included Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Superintendent Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., Board of Education members, and executive staff, highlighted the district’s commitment to quality education and the critical role of student attendance. Guided by Craik Principal Jason Deihl and school staff, the group toured classrooms, engaging with students and teachers in a display of local and state collaboration.
Wright, who has been visiting schools across Maryland since the start of the 2025-2026 school year, emphasized the vibrant energy at Craik. “This is just a joyous time to be in the building,” she said. “The students are excited; the teachers are excited.” Her visits aim to foster personal connections with school staff and reinforce the importance of consistent attendance for student success. The tour provided an opportunity to observe teaching in action and discuss educational priorities with CCPS leaders.
This was not Wright’s first visit to Charles County. Last school year, she toured Arthur Middleton Elementary School to support the launch of CCPS’s first dual language, two-way immersion program, a significant step for the district’s diverse student body of over 26,000. At Craik, she reiterated her commitment to local schools. “We try to send the message that we care,” Wright said. “They’ve got my support, the state Board’s support, the agency’s support, and we want to let them know that.”
Navarro expressed gratitude for the state’s backing. “We appreciate the continued support from the state, and it is always a pleasure to welcome Dr. Wright to CCPS,” she said. The visit, documented in a video feature, showcased Craik’s role as one of 22 CCPS elementary schools serving communities like Pomfret, a small, rural area near Route 301.
Wright’s philosophy centers on public education as an equalizer. “It’s come one, come all, and I think that is the beauty of our Nation and the beauty of the state,” she said, highlighting the inclusive nature of schools like Craik. The school, part of a district that includes military-connected families near the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, reflects Charles County’s diverse and close-knit population.
The visit underscored local priorities, including attendance initiatives that align with MSDE’s push for educational equity. Charles County, with its mix of rural and suburban communities, relies on strong school systems to support its roughly 86,000 residents. Craik Elementary, named for a Revolutionary War physician, serves as a community hub in Pomfret, where engagement between educators and families is vital.
Wright’s tour comes as CCPS continues to innovate, building on programs like the dual language initiative she previously observed. Her presence at Craik reinforces state support for local efforts to improve outcomes in literacy and math, key focus areas for MSDE. For Charles County residents, the visit highlights the district’s role in shaping young minds and the importance of community involvement in education.
The video of the visit, available online, captures the collaborative spirit between CCPS and MSDE. As Wright continues her statewide tour, her stop in Charles County serves as a reminder of the shared commitment to ensuring every student has access to a quality education.
