by Geoff Fox
The Washington County Board of Education has narrowed its considerations for the next superintendent of Washington County Public Schools to two candidates.
The BOE was to have concluding interviews and activities with both finalists yesterday, Tuesday, June 7, and today, Wednesday, June 9.
Current Superintendent Boyd Michael announced during a February board meeting he would be retiring this year effective July 1.
During their time in Washington County this week, each candidate was to participate in stakeholder interviews with panels representing students, parents, WCPS staff, and community partners.
While the BOE will make the final determination of the selected candidate, it is a priority of the board to consider stakeholder feedback and input in their decision making process, they said.
The first candidate is Dr. Theo L. Cramer.
Cramer has worked in public education in Maryland for 30 years with experience as a teacher, school administrator, and central office administrator.
During his teaching career, Cramer taught both special education and Advanced Placement courses at the high school level.
He most recently served as a community superintendent in the Howard County Public School System.
Cramer’s responsibilities at the central office level involved assignments among several departments, including Academic Support, Student Services, College and Career Readiness, Career Technical Education, Human Resources, and School Management and Instructional Leadership.
He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from South Carolina State University in Political Science/Pre-Law, and he earned his Master of Arts degree in Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University.
Cramer holds a Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.
The second candidate is Dr. David T. Sovine.
Sovine has been an educator for 32 years and is currently completing his eleventh year serving as the superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools in Virginia.
During his tenure, Sovine led programs to enhance literacy, expand preschool and kindergarten, provide 1:1 Chromebook devices for K-12 students, and offer additional course opportunities in career and technical education.
Sovine began his educational career as a teacher in elementary, middle, and high school levels before serving as a principal at the secondary level.
Before leading Frederick County Public Schools, So- vine was the executive director of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction and Secondary Education in Spotsylvania County.
Sovine holds a Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University Institute of Technology and a Master of Edu- cation degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
He earned a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Virginia.
The Washington County Board of Education will conduct final interviews with the candidates this week with no formal action taken at that time.
