ANNAPOLIS — The Anne Arundel County Board of Education has approved a new contract for Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell that will keep him in the role for another four years.
The Board reappointed Bedell on February 18, 2026. His current contract expires June 30, 2026. The new agreement begins July 1, 2026, with a first-year salary of $372,171.60. He will be eligible for increases tied to those received by 12-month executive staff in future years.
“I came to Anne Arundel County because I believe this can be one of the premier school districts in the United States,” Bedell said. “The vision set out in our Strategic Plan – that we want to be a school district where everyone can Belong, Grow, and Succeed – is something that is in the forefront of our minds every day. We have made significant progress toward making that a reality over the last four years and I am very excited about what our Board and our team can bring about for all of our students over the next four years.”
During his first term, Bedell oversaw the district’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, a change in school start times and two phases of redistricting. Under his leadership, test scores and graduation rates have increased. The district has expanded access to advanced coursework and introduced new curricula in English language arts and mathematics at the elementary level. An alternative vehicle program helped address a bus driver shortage.
Advanced Placement course enrollment rose 44.8 percent through the 2024-25 school year. Gains were larger among African American students (99.5 percent) and Hispanic students (80.9 percent). Scores of 3 or higher on AP exams increased 11.4 percent.
Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program math scores rose 22.2 percent. English language arts scores increased 13.3 percent. All students in grades 9 through 11 take the PSAT free of charge, and 11th-graders take the SAT free of charge. Class of 2026 SAT scores outpaced state, national and global averages.
The number of National Merit Scholarship semifinalists rose from one to nine over three years, with all nine becoming finalists this year. Chronic absenteeism declined more than 24 percent. Staff retention reached 95.7 percent for instructional staff and 94.3 percent for non-instructional staff.
Bedell created the Office of Mentoring Services to connect students with role models. Staff receive release time to meet with mentees. Results on the Maryland State Department of Education school climate survey improved among staff and students in grades 5 through 11.
“Dr. Bedell will be the first to say there is still more work ahead, but this contract reflects this Board’s strong confidence in his leadership and in the direction of Anne Arundel County Public Schools under his leadership,” Board President Gloria Dent said. “We have seen measurable progress in student outcomes, stronger engagement with staff and families, and meaningful partnerships across our community that continue to support student success. This Board values the stability, accountability and vision Dr. Bedell brings to this school system, and we want him to continue leading for the benefit of our current and future students, staff, and families.”
Anne Arundel County Public Schools serves more than 84,000 students and employs 12,000 people. It operates 128 sites, including elementary, middle and high schools, early education centers, applied technology centers and a virtual academy. Three new sites are scheduled to open in August 2026. The current operating budget is nearly $1.8 billion.
The contract approval signals continued focus on student achievement, staff support and community partnerships in one of Maryland’s largest school systems.
