The Montgomery County Board of Education (MCBOE) is pleased to announce Dr. Zickeyous Byrd as the new Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools (MPS). After an extensive and rigorous search process, the Board has selected Dr. Byrd, whose leadership experience, vision, and commitment to educational excellence will be instrumental in shaping the future of MPS.
The search for a new Superintendent began in January 2025, when the MCBOE kicked off a comprehensive engagement process, inviting input from all members of the community through focus groups, surveys, and public forums. These sessions were pivotal in developing a Leadership Profile that emphasized the importance of transparency, trust-building across racial and class divides, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by urban school districts. The community’s feedback highlighted the need for a leader who could address issues such as pandemic-related learning loss, teacher retention, culturally responsive instruction, and sound financial management.
To ensure a thorough search, the MCBOE partnered with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), a national search firm renowned for its success in helping school districts identify proven leaders. HYA emphasized the importance of community engagement from the outset, making it the cornerstone of the search process. Over the course of several months, HYA reviewed a pool of highly qualified candidates, narrowing the field to six candidates.
Following extensive interviews and public town halls, the two final candidates were Dr. Zickeyous Byrd and Dr. Harold Wright, Deputy Superintendent of Achievement and Leadership at Crowley Independent School District in Fort Worth, Texas. These finalists participated in live-streamed town halls where they shared their visions for MPS and addressed community questions. The feedback received from these town halls, along with surveys and focus groups, played a significant role in the final decision-making process.
Dr. Byrd is an accomplished educational leader with a proven track record of success. As the former Superintendent of Selma City Public Schools, Dr. Byrd guided the district from financial instability to long-term sustainability through strategic budgeting, securing grants, and maximizing resources. His leadership has been instrumental in improving student outcomes, enhancing teacher retention, and fostering a strong, inclusive school culture.
Dr. Byrd’s selection comes after careful consideration of the district’s unique needs and challenges. His deep commitment to addressing educational disparities and his ability to lead with both vision and financial acumen align with the goals and aspirations of the Montgomery County community.
"We are excited to welcome Dr. Zickeyous Byrd as our new Superintendent," Arica Smith President of the Montgomery County Board of Education. "His extensive experience, unwavering dedication to students, and leadership capabilities make him the ideal candidate to lead Montgomery Public Schools into the future. We are confident that under his leadership, MPS will continue to thrive and meet the evolving needs of our students and community."
The MCBOE looks forward to working closely with Dr. Byrd, the staff, students, parents, and the entire Montgomery community to continue improving the educational experience for all.
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