Baltimore County Public Schools reported that former Superintendent Joe A. Hairston died on Saturday Dec. 28 at the age of 71.
“Team BCPS, we are saddened to hear of the death of former Superintendent Dr. Joe Hairston,” said BCPS Chief of Staff Mychael Dickerson in a tweet on Saturday.
“I spoke with Mrs. Hairston just moments ago and she wanted the information shared with the BCPS community. Our prayers are with Dr. Hairston’s Family and all our staff who worked with him.”
Hairston was the first African American BCPS Superintendent and served in the top BCPS position for 12 years until 2012. Current BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams issued a statement on the passing of Hairston.
“On behalf of the entire Baltimore County Public Schools community, I express condolences to the family of Dr. Joe A. Hairston. While I did not have the opportunity to work with Dr. Hairston, I greatly appreciated him meeting with me earlier this year as I was getting to know the community<" Williams said, "For 12 years, Dr. Hairston served as superintendent of Baltimore County schools. With every action, he exuded the “quiet confidence" that he often advocated, and he worked to ensure high-quality education for every child regardless of race or zip code. Under his leadership, as the school system grew and became more diverse, academic achievement and graduation rates remained strong. Advanced Placement exam participation almost tripled. Dr. Hairston’s noteworthy innovations include establishing a virtual learning environment at Chesapeake High School (believed to be the first of its kind in the nation); forming key partnerships with the College Board and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) to promote college attendance; and launching the school system’s first school-wide STEM academy. "But his strongest mark on Baltimore County Public Schools was his recognition of the “seismic shifts" coming in education and his devotion to every child. “All means all" was his mantra, his commitment, and his goal. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives of every student, educator, and community member who benefited from his service."
