AACPS Superintendent Named Maryland Leader of the Year

The award recognizes operational stability and improved academic metrics for Anne Arundel County students.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Administration

Bold vector editorial illustration of an open textbook and a brass lens on a wooden desk, symbolizing educational leadership. — Anne Arundel County Public Schools superintendent Mark Bedell was named the 2027 Maryland Superintendent of the Year for his focus on district operations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe consistent, long-term leadership is essential for improving student performance in your local schools?

The Public School Superintendents' Association of Maryland named Anne Arundel County Public Schools superintendent Mark Bedell as the 2027 Maryland Superintendent of the Year. Bedell, who has led the district since 2022, will now represent the state in the national competition.

Why it matters

The recognition follows a period of significant shifts in district operations that may impact local families, including improved staffing stability and changes to core instructional materials. These leadership decisions directly shape school performance and classroom resources for students across the county.

Since 2022, the district reduced one- or two-star rated schools from 13 down to five. Additionally, classroom teacher vacancies plummeted to 16, while student participation in Advanced Placement exams grew by 55.7 percent.

The players

Mark Bedell

The current superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools and the 2027 Maryland Superintendent of the Year.

Public School Superintendents' Association of Maryland

The state-level professional organization that recognizes excellence in educational leadership.

The details

Superintendent Bedell oversaw the implementation of the Office of Mentoring Services and a new alternative vehicle program to stabilize district staffing and student transportation. Elementary students also saw the introduction of Reveal Math and Core Knowledge Language Arts curricula under his tenure. These changes coincided with a broader push to improve teacher retention, resulting in a compensation increase of over 28 percent since the 2022-23 school year.

June 2022: Mark Bedell began his tenure as AACPS superintendent.
2022-23 school year: Baseline year for vacancy and compensation metrics.
October 29, 2026: PSSAM announced the Superintendent of the Year award.
February 2027: National Superintendent of the Year recipient to be announced.

The Home Front

This recognition comes as the district attempts to reverse long-term declines in school performance metrics tracked by the Maryland Report Card. The focus remains on stabilizing local classrooms after years of staffing shortages that affected district-wide continuity.

Families can track school-level performance updates on the official Maryland Report Card to see how current curriculum and staffing changes affect local classrooms. Parents should also monitor district communications regarding future transportation and mentoring program enrollments.

The takeaway

Bedell's selection highlights a shift in district stability following a 28 percent increase in employee compensation since 2022. Local families should review their student's individual AP participation and dual enrollment opportunities as these programs continue to expand.