Prince George’s County, Virginia — As the 2025 school year approaches, Prince George’s County Public Schools is launching a comprehensive outreach initiative to ensure parents and community members have a direct voice in shaping the county’s educational future. Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph has announced a series of nine virtual community hearing sessions, with one scheduled for each district. These meetings, running from July 14 through August 1, will provide a platform for families to express concerns, share ideas, and participate in the planning process for the upcoming academic year.
Each session will be conducted via Zoom and take place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., giving parents, guardians, and local stakeholders a structured forum to contribute. The hearing schedule is spread across the county’s nine school districts, and those interested can register through the county’s official website. For attendees unsure of their designated district, a public database is available for reference to ensure proper participation.
District-specific sessions are as follows: District 1 on July 14, District 2 on July 18, District 3 on July 17, District 4 on July 21, District 5 on July 22, District 6 on July 24, District 7 on July 28, District 8 on July 29, and District 9 on August 1. The staggered timeline provides flexibility and encourages maximum community involvement. This initiative reflects Dr. Joseph’s commitment to building a collaborative education strategy focused on listening to those most invested in student success—families and community members.
The effort is part of a broader strategic plan set forth by Dr. Joseph, who was recently appointed as interim superintendent during a time of leadership transition within the county. At the core of his vision is a strong emphasis on parent participation, staff development, and performance improvement across schools. Dr. Joseph has emphasized that parent voices are not just welcome but essential to crafting an effective, inclusive plan that aligns with the county’s and state’s education priorities.
In addition to these community hearings, Dr. Joseph has pledged to re-establish the Parent and Community Advisory Council (PCAC), an important body within the district’s governance structure. The PCAC is tasked with offering thoughtful recommendations on academic performance, parental engagement, and improving the public’s perception of Prince George’s County schools. This council will play a critical role in bridging communication between district leaders and the broader school community.
Dr. Joseph’s interim role follows a period of considerable leadership changes within Prince George’s County. In recent weeks, both the county’s police and fire departments have experienced shifts in top leadership, and the school system is currently undergoing a national search for a permanent superintendent. While he holds the position on a temporary basis, Dr. Joseph is using this opportunity to implement meaningful changes that could shape the future of the county’s education system for years to come.
When asked about his long-term plans, Dr. Joseph stated that his focus is fully on the present—ensuring that his time as interim superintendent brings value to the students, teachers, and families of Prince George’s County. With his plan now laid out and a calendar of engagement sessions underway, he has made it clear that the work of strengthening the school system starts with community input and collaborative action.
This proactive approach reflects a growing national trend of involving families more directly in school system planning. Rather than making decisions behind closed doors, Joseph’s model prioritizes transparency and inclusion. It also acknowledges that in order to recruit and retain talented educators, improve academic outcomes, and foster trust, the district must be responsive to the people it serves.
As Prince George’s County enters a pivotal planning phase for 2025, these virtual meetings represent a meaningful opportunity for residents to shape decisions on curriculum development, school staffing, facility improvements, and student support systems. The outcomes of these sessions are expected to inform policies and budget priorities for the next academic year.
By placing parents at the center of the conversation, Dr. Joseph is sending a powerful message about the importance of community in education. He is inviting residents not only to observe but to help build a better system. This inclusive approach may very well set the tone for how future school leaders interact with the communities they serve.
Families across the county are encouraged to participate and lend their voices to this important dialogue. Whether discussing academic concerns, student mental health, equity in education, or teacher support, every contribution will help guide the direction of Prince George’s County Public Schools during a time of renewal and redefinition.
