Changes coming to Prince George’s County Board of Education ahead of the school year

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — The Prince George’s County Public School Board has undergone some major changes in leadership.

In July, officials announced that Lolita Walker would be the new chair of the board, and Dr. Kenneth Harris would serve as vice chair. The decision followed a Maryland state law that just went into effect at the beginning of the month.

When DC News Now reached out to Harris, he pointed to the law as the reason for the changes.

“The transition of The Board of Education to a fully elected board is a result of MD State Law that went into effect July 1, 2024, at which time our board was reduced from 14 members to 10. This includes 9 elected (one from each district) and the student member of the board. This election cycle there are 5 seats on the ballot from the following districts: 1, 4, 5, 7 & 8. The general election for these seats will be late October into November.”

Statement from Vice Chair Dr. Kenneth Harris

Community members are aware of what’s happening but hope that these changes help the school system control the kids.

“A little unsettling to hear some of the situations happening at some of the high schools,” said Michelle Ice, a Lanham native. “The electronic devices that they have, I mean for my little one and you’re going into middle school… I just don’t recall that, you know when I was coming up.”

District 1’s David Murray is also stepping down, leaving a vacancy on the board.

With all the moving pieces on the board, some residents said they just want a greater focus on transportation.

“It is significant. Kids [are] at school for quite a long time. Waiting for the second round to get on the bus, making them get home late” said Michelle Ice.

The five open board seats will be voted on in November.

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