BERLIN – The school system’s chief academic officer will leave the position at the end of the school year.
Last week, school system officials announced Chief Academic Officer John Quinn would resign June 30.
“It’s been very rewarding working in Worcester County,” Quinn said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to finish up my career.”
Quinn, who retired from Howard County’s school system 10 years ago, spent the next four years working in Baltimore County. When his position there was eliminated, Quinn—who already owned a house on the Eastern Shore—was quick to apply for the position of chief academic officer in Worcester County. He’s spent the past six years working to increase student achievement, promote digital learning and reduce achievement gaps.
Quinn said he’d enjoyed his time in Worcester County and had been surprised at the differences between it and some of the state’s more metropolitan school districts.
“The one thing that really struck me is this is a county that has true community schools,” he said, adding that Pocomoke, Snow Hill and Berlin each rallied around their schools. “Parents are very supportive. They have a lot of pride in their schools. You don’t always see that on the other side of the bay.”
He also praised local educators for their commitment amid the frequent changes mandated by state and federal government.
“The folks here roll up their sleeves and do what they have to do,” he said.
Quinn said leaving was bittersweet but that he wanted to spend more time with his wife and his family.
“We want to travel,” he said, adding that he’d worked in the education field for the past 42 years. “These last six years have been the best. It’s been a great way to finish my career.”
