Bernard J. Sadusky, former Superintendent of the Queen Anne's County Public School System, today was named Interim State Superintendent of Schools by the Maryland State Board of Education.

Dr. Sadusky will take over the reins of the Maryland State Department of Education on July 1, following the retirement of current State Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick.

Dr. Sadusky served as superintendent of the Queen Anne's school system from 1994 to 2007. After his retirement, he joined the staff at the Maryland State Department of Education, serving as policy liaison with local school systems. He spent more than 30 years as an administrator and teacher in the high-performing Queen Anne's system.

"Thanks to the dedication of our educational leaders, parents and students, Maryland has become a national model for quality, public education," said Governor Martin O'Malley. 'Dr. Sadusky understands the State's public education system and I am confident he will expertly lead the system as the search continues for a permanent superintendent. Working together, we can continue to provide our children with the tools they need to build a better future."

Dr. Sadusky said that Maryland's public school system is one of the State's crown jewels. "Job number one must be to maintain our educational progress," he said. "My plan is to continue the work that the State Board and Dr. Grasmick have started. Work on Maryland's Race to the Top projects will be our focus as we further improve instruction and student achievement."

State Board President James DeGraffenreidt said Dr. Sadusky's appointment will help keep Maryland’s schools on the right path. "Dr. Sadusky possesses the complete complement of background, experience and relationships that gives the State Board great confidence that he is the right leader for this transitional period," he said.

"Bernie is the perfect choice to continue to move our Maryland education forward," said Dr. Grasmick. "He understands education from the local system perspective, and has spent a career helping strengthen student performance. I leave my post with great certainty that our public school system is in very good hands."

Dr. Sadusky received his bachelor's degree in biology from King's College in Pennsylvania. He holds a master’s degree in psychology from Washington College and a doctorate in educational administration from Nova-Southeastern University. He was Maryland’s Superintendent of the Year in 2007, and has received numerous commendations throughout his career.

Dr. Grasmick has served as State Superintendent in Maryland since September of 1991. She currently ranks as the nation’s longest-serving appointed state schools' chief. She announced her intention to retire in April after nearly 20 years at the helm.