At the March Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Derek L. Simmons announced a leadership reorganization designed to strengthen the school system’s academic focus and ensure continued stability moving forward.
Chief Academic Officer (realigned from Assistant Superintendent of Instruction) will remain focused on instruction and academic alignment, particularly in support of Blueprint initiatives. The role will sharpen its concentration specifically on academic leadership and outcomes.
Deputy Superintendent (realigned from Director of Administrative Services) serves as a designated second-in-command with a comprehensive understanding of system operations, prepared to ensure uninterrupted leadership and continuity when needed.
The reorganization does not create any new positions; rather, it realigns the existing organizational chart to better meet the evolving needs of the school system.
In explaining the reorganization, Dr. Simmons announced that Dr. Tara Downes, current Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, has accepted a position with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), effective May 1. He praised Dr. Downes for her work with CCPS, and said she had contributed greatly to the district’s progress and ongoing implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. He added that given the changes to instruction over the past few years, a steady intentional focus on the area of instruction was required, which necessitated the change in position.
The new position of Chief Academic Officer is currently posted on the CCPS hiring site.
Dr. Simmons also announced that Dr. Robert Willoughby, current Director of Administrative Services, was his recommendation for Deputy Superintendent. He stated, “Dr. Willoughby’s leadership, steady presence, and commitment to this system make him the clear choice for this position.”
“The foundational work we have accomplished over the past several years would not have been possible without his knowledge, skill, and deep understanding of our system,” Dr. Simmons added. “He has an exceptional ability to remain flexible and navigate the complexities of administration and human resources, while also maintaining a strong grasp of instruction and the major initiatives we are advancing. There is hardly a project or partnership at the state level that Rob does not have some connection to or understanding of.”
The Board voted unanimously to approve the organizational changes and Dr. Willoughby’s appointment.