WCPS superintendent finalist announces retirement from Virginia school system
David T. Sovine, one of two finalists for the Washington County Public Schools superintendency, announced his retirement as superintendent of Frederick County (Va.) Public Schools during a Tuesday night school board meeting.
The Washington County Board of Education is scheduled to appoint its new superintendent during a 3:30 p.m. meeting Wednesday. Board members also are expected to approve a four-year contract for the new superintendent, effective July 1 through June 30, 2026.
Interviewed Wednesday morning, via phone, Sovine wouldn't confirm or deny whether he's expected to be the next Washington County schools superintendent.
Sovine, 54, said his retirement from the Frederick County school system is effective at the end of June 30.
"But I feel like my work in terms of serving public education is not done and I look forward to the next community in a similar role," Sovine said.
"I remain committed to serving and supporting public education," he said.
He said he was aware of the special meeting the school board scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The Frederick County school board voted Tuesday night to accept Sovine's pending retirement, while waiving a 90-day notification requirement in the superintendent's employment agreement, according to a video of the meeting posted on YouTube.
More about the superintendent finalists: Learn about finalists for Washington County Public Schools superintendent job
The finalists for Washington County schools superintendent are Sovine and Theo L. Cramer, who has said he retired as a Howard County (Md.) Public Schools' community superintendent last year to focus on preparing for the next phase of his career.
Sovine has been superintendent for Frederick County schools for 11 years.
In an FCPS news release posted on the school system's website, Sovine said, "I remain passionate about supporting students and making a positive impact on communities through Pre K-12 public education. As I leave my current role, I do so with a great sense of pride in Frederick County Public Schools and the knowledge that my work is not done.”
For a story about the two local superintendent finalists, Sovine recently told The Herald-Mail that Washington County has a strong reputation for having a high-performing school system and he wants to seize the challenge to partner with the community to make it one of the top school districts in the state and nation.
Current Washington County superintendent Boyd Michael is retiring after a 43-year career with the school system. His last day is June 30.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: WCPS superintendent candidate David Sovine retiring from FCPS post
