WESTOVER, MD (June 18, 2024) – At its June 18, 2024 regular meeting, the Somerset County Board of Education voted to approve the appointment of Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell as the next Superintendent of Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS). The Board also approved her contract for a four-year term.
Board Chairperson, Mr. Bill McInturff shared, “We are pleased to confirm our choice of Dr. Tasker-Mitchell as our next Superintendent. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our school system, and we see her as a leader who will work collaboratively with all stakeholders to improve educational outcomes and meet the needs of our students.”
Tasker-Mitchell’s appointment marks the end of a months-long search that began when Dr. John Gaddis, Superintendent of Schools for the past 11 years, announced his retirement effective June 30, 2024. Tasker-Mitchell will officially assume the duties of Superintendent on July 1, 2024.
About Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell
Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell, an Anne Arundel County Public School native, most recently held the position of Instructional Director for Prince George’s County (MD) Public Schools/Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Tasker-Mitchell has over 20 years of experience as a public school educator in Maryland with most of her tenure being in the Anne Arundel County Public School System. Dr. Tasker-Mitchell has held positions including: Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Assistant Superintendent of Schools/Executive Director of Principal Support in Baltimore City Public Schools, and she was a principal, assistant principal and teacher in the Anne Arundel County Public School System. She has worked in rural, suburban and urban school districts, with a lens on improving outcomes for students, teachers and families.
She also understands the importance of building relationships with the stakeholder community to support continuous improvement efforts. Her focus on leadership, teaching, learning and data earned her recognition from the Maryland State Department of Education for increasing student performance.
Dr. Tasker-Mitchell is no stranger to the Maryland Eastern Shore and has acquired most of her education there to cultivate her love of learning. She earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Towson University and her two undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, from Salisbury University. Dr. Tasker-Mitchell was also selected to participate in Harvard University’s Public Educator Leadership Program, AASA’s (American Association of School Administrators) Superintendent Academy and Maryland’s Inaugural Superintendent’s Academy. She is passionate about teaching, learning and advocating on behalf of all students. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she is a results-oriented leader focused on what is best for children, with a track record of success.
Dr. Tasker-Mitchell loves her faith and family, including her husband Joseph, six nieces and nephews and three wonderful bonus daughters that she adores. She is an exercise enthusiast, loves the outdoors and riding her motorcycle. Her family consider themselves fishermen and water enthusiasts. Dr. Tasker-Mitchell has a collaborative leadership style accompanied by an engaging personality that is supported by strong core values and integrity. She is viewed by others as a highly energetic and a focused instructional leader.