BALTIMORE — Mark Bedell, who has led Anne Arundel County Public Schools since 2022, has been named the 2027 Maryland Superintendent of the Year, putting him in line for the national award next.
The Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland chose Bedell after an application process judged by a panel of his fellow superintendents, the Maryland State Department of Education announced Nov. 2. He will represent Maryland in the AASA National Superintendent of the Year program run by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
Although the honor carries the 2027 label, it was awarded this fall, and it covers his work in the state’s fourth-largest school district, which serves the southern Anne Arundel communities along the Chesapeake and Patuxent.
What the state credits him with
According to MSDE, Anne Arundel under Bedell has:
- Raised student proficiency in English language arts and math.
- Expanded Advanced Placement participation and success rates, and nearly tripled dual enrollment.
- Reduced chronic absenteeism and teacher vacancies, and improved school climate survey results.
- Started mentoring programs that serve more than 1,500 students.
- Offered the PSAT and SAT free during the school day.
The release did not give the size of those gains.
State Superintendent Carey Wright called Bedell an example of innovative, student-centered leadership and said his commitment to academic excellence, equity and partnerships has produced measurable gains for students and staff. State Board of Education President Joshua Michael credited his “sense of urgency, practical approach, and high expectations for every student.”
A busy recognition season in Anne Arundel
The district is also in the middle of picking its own top teacher; in October, 89 Anne Arundel educators were nominated for 2027 Teacher of the Year.
The honor comes as school systems across Southern Maryland brace for tighter budgets. In St. Mary’s County, school officials said this week the district faces about a $19 million state shortfall heading into fiscal 2028 budget talks.
As Maryland’s honoree, Bedell now moves on to the national competition, where AASA will weigh him against superintendents of the year from other states.
