The Prince George’s County General Assembly Committee voted Jan. 28 to move PG 50625 favorably. The bill, sponsored by Delegate Jeffrey Long, would change how the county superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools is selected by shifting that authority from the county executive to a majority vote of the county board of education and clarifying contract‑term negotiation processes.

Teresa Hessler of Ashlar Government Relations summarized the principal changes: selection by a majority of the county board, specification that the board chair negotiate contract terms and that the board approve candidates, clarified term lengths and interim appointment procedures for vacancies, and revised candidate evaluation requirements. Hessler told the committee the change would increase local school‑board influence and accountability but acknowledged potential for appointment delays if the board cannot reach consensus.

County executive’s office response: a representative from the county executive’s office said the executive’s office “takes no position” but noted the current arrangement—where the executive appoints the superintendent who then reports to the board—can leave the executive without authority over the superintendent. The representative said the proposed shift is “probably a change that is not a bad idea” but stated the office had no formal position.

Action: Vice Chair Burrows moved favorable; Council Member Arrieta seconded. When the clerk called the roll, Chair Hawkins, Vice Chair Fisher, Council Member Arrieta and Council Member Burrows each voted “aye.” The motion passed 4–0.

Discussion vs. decision: committee members raised questions about contract term length and potential payout liabilities; a committee member asked staff to explore mandatory contract lengths and cost implications. The committee did not adopt specific language to alter contract lengths during the meeting.

Evidence: staff briefing and the clerk’s roll call occurred on Jan. 28 during the committee meeting.