Caroline County Board of Education Names Dr. Derek Simmons as Interim Superintendent

The Caroline County Board of Education has announced the appointment of Dr. Derek Simmons as interim superintendent, effective April 1, 2021. This is pending the approval of Dr. Salmon, state superintendent. The appointment will be confirmed at a later Board meeting.

The interim superintendent appointment is through June 30, 2022, which will provide time for the Board to conduct a thorough search for the next superintendent. More information will be shared with stakeholders as the process and timeline are developed.

Dr. Simmons has been employed with CCPS for over 20 years. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Salisbury University, and began his career with CCPS as a teacher. Dr. Simmons has held leadership positions at the school and central office level, and in 2014 was appointed director of student services. Dr. Simmons earned his Doctorate degree from Wilmington University and holds the necessary certification for the position of superintendent.

“The Board appreciates Dr. Simmons’ commitment and dedication in accepting the interim position,” Board President James Newcomb stated. “Dr. Simmons has the experience and internal working knowledge of the school system needed to successfully lead us through this transition and these unprecedented and changing times.”

Dr. Simmons said, “I appreciate the trust of the Board in appointing me to the interim position and am honored to accept it. I look forward to working with and serving the staff and students in Caroline.”

The Board also announced that as of March 31, Superintendent Patricia Saelens will be leaving in order to focus on the next chapter of her career. He stated, “The Board appreciates Dr. Saelens’ years of hard work and dedication to Caroline County, particularly throughout this past year with the challenges of a pandemic. We wish her all the best as she moves on with her career.”

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~ Caroline County Board of Education