Superintendent-appointee Annette Wallace is pictured, from left, with Board of Education members Bill Gordy, Katie Addis, Jon Andes, Todd Ferrante, Elena McComas, Donald Smack and Bill Buchanan.

Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Annette Wallace was announced as the next superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools last week, replacing predecessor Lou Taylor. The appointment marks Wallace as the first woman to hold the position in Worcester.

The announcement was made on April 24 at a special Worcester County Board of Education meeting. Wallace graduated from Snow Hill High School, served as a math teacher at Stephen Decatur High School, became an assistant principal and then principal at Pocomoke High School, and accepted a position as chief operating officer in 2018.

According to a press release issued by the school system earlier this month announcing Wallace as a finalist, the new superintendent holds degrees in mathematics, school leadership, and educational leadership. As the PHS principal, Wallace doubled AP enrollment and improved student pass rates. She also launched Project 100, an initiative to increase access to postsecondary education.

Wallace’s appointment follows the position-holder, Lou Taylor’s retirement announcement in January, effective June 30. Taylor was named the school system leader in 2o16. He signed a second four-year contract in 2020, but opted not to renew this year. The first female to take on the role will step up at the end of this school year, following Taylor’s last day.

Worcester County Board of Education President Todd Ferrante said that around 10 p.m. on April 23, the board held a closed session to conduct final interviews for the superintendent vacancy. Wallace was selected to take on the role.

“This will be effective July 1, when [Taylor] steps down,” Ferrante said. “The motion was made by William Gordy and seconded by William Buchanan. The motion carried a 6-1 vote with Katie Addis opposed.”

Upon word of Taylor’s retirement, the Worcester County Board of Education solicited input from the school system community to create a list of ideal characteristics of the next superintendent. Using the information, the board developed qualifications and reviewed the applications received. In-person interviews were conducted on April 7, after which two finalists were selected: Wallace and Monique Wheatley-Phillip of Baltimore County.

The candidates completed a Day in the District on Tuesday, April 22, and Wednesday, April 23. This included meet-and-greets with elected officials, a question-and-answer session with local media, and round-table discussions with stakeholder groups. Each day, the board received feedback and conducted a final interview with the whole board. After the Day in the District sessions, the board deliberated and ultimately selected Wallace as the next superintendent of WCPS.

“We have chosen the best possible candidate to lead us in the future of Worcester County Public Schools,” Ferrante said. “Wallace is no stranger to Worcester County…We look forward to working with Wallace throughout this transition and beyond for the education system.”

Wallace spoke at the special meeting announcing her appointment. She began by sharing a quote from the late Pope Francis: “Rivers do not drink their own water, trees do not eat their own fruit, the sun does not shine upon itself, and flowers do not spread fragrance for themselves. Living for others is the rule of nature. We are here to serve.”

The new school system leader thanked the board for their confidence in her ability and promised to turn her attention to “the most valuable and important asset, the children.”

“My journey with WCPS began many years ago as a student,” Wallace continued. “Since then, I have had the privilege to learn from extraordinary educators, collaborate with dedicated staff and bus contractors, and lead alongside visionary school leaders. We are united in service. Grounded in the belief that all students can learn and achieve, and together, we are Worcester. The phrase, ‘together we are Worcester,’ was inspired by the Latin phrase, ‘out of many, we are one.’ Each of us is a thread in the vibrant tapestry of WCPS. Without any of those individual threads, we would be weaker and far less beautiful.”

Wallace said that under her leadership, the school system will remain committed to the mission of each student with a “high-quality education that meets the needs of the whole child.”

Every student, she said, will be reading on grade level by grade three, which is a vital milestone to ensure academic success. Wallace added that she intends to lead WCPS with the priority of helping all students pursue higher education, including trade school, military service, or college or university.

“We achieve this by knowing every student by name, by strength, “ she said. “We will listen to each other, compromise with each other when we need to, work together in unity, and stay focused on what we can achieve together. We will do whatever it takes for every child to reach the finish line, because united, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.”

Ferrante concluded the meeting by recognizing Wallace as the first woman to hold the superintendent position in Worcester County.

“I think that’s significant,” he said. “I feel confident that Wallace is stepping into this role with a very bright future ahead for our Worcester County Public Schools students and staff.”