Board of Education Reappoints Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson as Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools
The Frederick County Board of Education voted today to reappoint Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson as Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools, extending her leadership into a second term. Her new term will begin on July 1, 2026, and run through June 30, 2030.
“Dr. Dyson has provided steady, student-centered leadership during her first term,” Board President Dean Rose said. “She leads with clarity, integrity, and a deep commitment to strengthening teaching and learning across our school system. The Board values her collaborative approach and is confident in her ability to continue guiding FCPS through both growth and change.”
Since beginning her tenure, Dr. Dyson has focused on every child, every day by building stability, strengthening systems, and ensuring students remain at the center of every decision. Under her leadership, FCPS has navigated enrollment growth, staffing pressures, fiscal constraints, and evolving student needs while maintaining a clear focus on instructional quality and student outcomes.
“I am deeply grateful to the Board of Education for its continued trust and partnership,” Dr. Dyson said. “Over the past four years, our work has focused on building strong, sustainable systems and keeping students at the center of every decision. As we move into the next phase, Every Child, Every Day: Moving Forward Together, I remain committed to leading with integrity, listening deeply, and strengthening teaching and learning in service of our students, staff, and community.”
During Dr. Dyson’s first term, FCPS has made measurable gains in student achievement and engagement, strengthened workforce systems, advanced facilities planning and capital investments, and deepened collaboration with county and state partners. The school system has achieved a 94 percent graduation rate, among the highest in Maryland and well above the national average and currently maintains one of the lowest rates of chronic absenteeism in the state.
FCPS students perform at or above state averages in many areas, and the Maryland State Department of Education has recognized the district for significant growth, including ranking seventh statewide in third-grade English language arts proficiency and fourth in mathematics. Since the 2022 school year, the district has also seen an approximately 15.8 percent increase in students performing proficient in grades 3-8 MCAP English language arts and an 8 percent increase in grades 3-8 MCAP mathematics. Throughout this progress, FCPS has maintained a strong focus on literacy and mathematics, while sustaining a culture of collaboration, accountability, and transparency.
Frederick County Public Schools is one of the largest and fastest-growing school systems in Maryland, serving 48,000+ students and families and employing thousands of staff members across the county. The superintendent oversees a complex organization dedicated to providing safe, welcoming schools and high-quality learning opportunities for all students.
Looking ahead, Dr. Dyson’s priorities include strengthening teaching and learning, supporting and retaining high-quality staff, meeting the needs of a growing student population, and ensuring fiscal responsibility while maximizing impact.
The Board of Education appreciates Dr. Dyson’s continued dedication to Frederick County Public Schools and looks forward to her leadership in the years ahead.