Maryland school superintendent Salmon faulted for poor leadership, communication

Maryland School Superintendent Karen Salmon is under fire from education advocates who say she has failed to provide strong leadership during a health crisis that is fundamentally redefining how public schools work.

These critics say that at a time when local school leaders have been dealing with a spate of issues stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, the state should have laid out detailed requirements for them to meet, allowing some local flexibility but not leaving every decision to individual districts...

...Salmon, who as state superintendent leads the department, declined to be interviewed for this article.

Traditionally, Maryland has been known for having strong, independent state school superintendents who can act despite the political whims of governors and legislators. Unlike other states where the school superintendent is appointed by the governor, Maryland’s is appointed by the state school board. The board is appointed by the governor, but it can take years before a governor can appoint enough members to control the board...

https://www.baltimoresun.com/education/bs-md-salmon-state-education-leadership-20200729-yqymlywlvzdo5gnxq32lwairjm-story.html