HAGERSTOWN, Md. – The Washington County Board of Education has selected Dr. Gary Willow, the district’s current deputy superintendent, as the next superintendent of Washington County Public Schools. He will assume the role July 1.
Willow has worked in public education for more than 20 years, including 18 years in school and district administrative positions. He has served as deputy superintendent, overseeing district-wide instructional initiatives, school improvement efforts and student support programs. He previously held the position of associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
At a recent meeting, the Board of Education cited Willow’s strong relationships with students, staff and families, along with his deep knowledge of the district, as key factors in his selection. Under his leadership in curriculum and instruction roles, Washington County Public Schools has ranked among Maryland’s top 10 districts in mathematics and English language arts achievement.
Willow has helped implement a more rigorous and consistent core curriculum, expanded career and technical education programs and increased dual enrollment offerings in partnership with Hagerstown Community College. He has also supported “Grow Your Own” initiatives to recruit and develop teachers from within the community.
Before joining the central office, Willow served as principal of Smithsburg High School and Boonsboro Middle School. Boonsboro Middle School was recognized as Maryland’s highest-ranked middle school on the Maryland Report Card for the 2017-18 school year.
He joined Washington County Public Schools in 2008 as an administrative intern after working as a high school social studies teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools.
Willow holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Shippensburg University, a Master of Science in human development from Towson University and a Doctor of Education in educational administration from Frostburg State University.
He holds Maryland Advanced Professional Certificates for Superintendent I/II, Administrator I/II and Social Studies 7-12.
