Baltimore County Public Schools’ next superintendent will be Dr. William Heiser, currently chief operating officer for Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
Heiser brings two decades of experience in education across three Maryland school systems. He will succeed Dr. Myriam Rogers, who announced earlier this year that she would retire from her role as BCPS’s superintendent on July 1, 2026, three years into her four-year contract.
“I am deeply humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve as the next superintendent of this incredible school system,” Heiser said in a statement. “I will work diligently with the Board of Education to ensure that our system works every day to serve, support, and inspire all members of Team BCPS and keep students at the forefront of all that we do. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to continue to build on the outstanding work that has been accomplished under Dr. Rogers’ leadership, and I am confident that, working together, we will take this system to the next level.”
At AACPS, Heiser supports more than 85,000 students and 130 schools in Maryland’s fourth-largest school system.
He managed AACPS’s $195 million capital budget, led the school system redistricting process, and oversaw major school construction projects.
“Dr. Heiser is a passionate, dedicated, innovative, and thoughtful educational leader who has served Maryland students in three school systems and three other educational settings over the course of his 28-year career,” AACPS superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell said in a statement. “I have absolutely no doubt that he will be a superb leader for the students, families, and staff in Baltimore County and I look forward to continuing to work with him as a colleague in his new role.”
Previously, Heiser served as president of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore City from 2015 to 2023, principal of Catonsville High School in Baltimore County from 2013-2015, and principal of North County High School in Anne Arundel County from 2010 to 2013. He was named Maryland High School Principal of the Year in 2013.
Heiser was selected to lead BCPS after a nationwide search by executive search firm Ray and Associates and approved by State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright.
“The Board conducted a thorough, nationwide search that attracted interest from highly-qualified school leaders, administrators, and current superintendents, and all of the candidates had a tremendous passion for education and ensuring Team BCPS students reach their highest potential,” Baltimore County school board chair Jane Lichter said in a statement.
Lichter added, “Dr. Heiser’s passion, dedication, and strong commitment to academic excellence, systems improvement, and the development of high-performing, equitable school communities set him apart, and the Board of Education is thrilled to work with him to continue to move our system forward. Baltimore County Public Schools has made significant strides over the past three years, and we are well poised for success. We believe his leadership and vision will serve the students, staff, and families of Team BCPS well.”
Heiser earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from Loyola University Maryland and a doctoral degree in education from Morgan State University. He lives in Anne Arundel County with his wife and two sons.
Heiser’s selection is contingent upon final contract negotiations for his employment.
The school board will formally appoint Heiser during its in-person meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24.
