The Board of Education of Baltimore County announced the selection of Dr. William Heiser as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, contingent upon final contract negotiations for employment.
Dr. Heiser, who was selected following a nationwide search facilitated by executive search firm Ray and Associates, has received approval by State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright, as required by Maryland law.
According to BCPS, Dr. Heiser’s career in education has spanned the schoolhouse, the principalship, and central office leadership in three Maryland school systems over two decade.
He currently serves as the chief operating officer in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, where he provides executive leadership for the fourth-largest school system in Maryland, supporting more than 85,000 students and 130 schools.
As chief operating officer, Dr. Heiser led a historic redistricting process, managed a $195 million capital budget, and oversaw the delivery of major school construction projects aligned to the school system’s enrollment growth and educational priorities.
Prior to his role as chief operating officer, Dr. Heiser served as the president of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore City from 2015 to 2023 and as the principal of Catonsville High School in Baltimore County from 2013-2015.
At Catonsville High, he guided a high-performing school community focused on academic innovation, college readiness, and strong stakeholder partnerships.
As principal of North County High School in Anne Arundel County from 2010 to 2013, Dr. Heiser led comprehensive school turnaround efforts resulting in significant gains in student achievement, Advanced Placement participation, graduation rates, and scholarship attainment. Dr. Heiser earned the Maryland High School Principal of the Year Award in 2013.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from Loyola University Maryland and a doctoral degree in education from Morgan State University.
“The Board conducted a thorough, nationwide search that attracted interest from highly-qualified school leaders, administrators, and current superintendents, and all of the candidates had a tremendous passion for education and ensuring Team BCPS students reach their highest potential,” said Jane Lichter, chair of the Board of Education.
“Dr. Heiser’s passion, dedication, and strong commitment to academic excellence, systems improvement, and the development of high-performing, equitable school communities set him apart, and the Board of Education is thrilled to work with him to continue to move our system forward. Baltimore County Public Schools has made significant strides over the past three years, and we are well poised for success. We believe his leadership and vision will serve the students, staff, and families of Team BCPS well.”
“I am deeply humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve as the next superintendent of this incredible school system,” said Dr. Heiser.
“I will work diligently with the Board of Education to ensure that our system works every day to serve, support, and inspire all members of Team BCPS and keep students at the forefront of all that we do. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to continue to build on the outstanding work that has been accomplished under Dr. Rogers’ leadership, and I am confident that, working together, we will take this system to the next level.”
As the superintendent search process comes to an end, the Board said it would like to thank stakeholders for their active participation, thoughtful insights, and invaluable contributions throughout the process.
Community members, parents, staff, and students shared their perspectives, opinions, concerns, and ideas through community forums and surveys.
This information formed the foundation of the criteria the Board used to evaluate candidates. Additionally, a group of more than 50 stakeholders interviewed the finalists and provided comprehensive feedback to the Board.
The Board will meet in person on Wednesday, June 24, at 6:30 p.m. to formally appoint Dr. Heiser. The Board’s closed session will begin at 6:15 p.m.
Dr. Heiser lives in Anne Arundel County with his wife and two sons.