The Board of Education today unanimously approved a new contract for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell that will see the 26-year education veteran continue to lead Anne Arundel County Public Schools for the next four years.
The Board unanimously reappointed Dr. Bedell to as the leader of Maryland’s fourth largest school system on February 18, 2026. His current contract expires on June 30, 2026.
“I came to Anne Arundel County because I believe this can be one of the premier school districts in the United States,” Dr. Bedell said. “The vision set out in our Strategic Plan – that we want to be a school district where everyone can Belong, Grow, and Succeed – is something that is in the forefront of our minds every day. We have made significant progress toward making that a reality over the last four years and I am very excited about what our Board and our team can bring about for all of our students over the next four years.”
During his first four years, Dr. Bedell has overseen AACPS’ continued emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift in school start times and two phases of comprehensive redistricting. Under his leadership, AACPS has increased test scores and graduation rates, expanded access to advanced coursework for all students, and introduced high-quality instructional materials, including new English Language Arts and mathematics curricula at the elementary school level. He also implemented an alternative vehicle program that helped curb a severe bus driver shortage.
Among the standout increases in student performance in Dr. Bedell’s first four years is a 44.8 percent jump in Advanced Placement course enrollment through the 2024-25 school year. The increases are much larger among traditionally underenrolled groups like African American (99.5 percent) and Hispanic (80.9 percent) students. Overall, scores of 3 or higher on AP exams – the generally accepted standard to earn college credit – have increased by 11.4 percent under Dr. Bedell’s leadership.
Dr. Bedell has also overseen a 22.2 percent increase in scores on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program math assessment. On the English Language Arts assessment, scores are up by 13.3 percent.
All students in grades 9 through 11 take the PSAT free of charge and 11th-graders take the SAT free of charge. Scores of Class of 2026 graduates on the 2024-25 administration of the SAT, the latest available data, outpaced those of Maryland public school students, Maryland public and private school students, students across the United States and global test-takers.
Over the last three years, the number of National Merit Scholarship semifinalists has increased from one to nine, with all nine becoming finalists in the current school year.
More students are also coming to school regularly, with the district’s chronic absenteeism rate declining by more than 24 percent. Retention of staff is also at the highest levels in recent memory, reaching 95.7 percent for instructional staff and 94.3 for non-instructional staff.
To provide students with regular access to role models who can support their journeys, Dr. Bedell has created the Office of Mentoring Services. AACPS staff are given release time from their regular duties to meet with mentees.
During Dr. Bedell’s tenure, results on the annual Maryland State Department of Education’s school climate survey have also improved among staff and students in grades 5 through 11, a clear indication of more positive perceptions of safety, community, environment, and relationships.
“Dr. Bedell will be the first to say there is still more work ahead, but this contract reflects this Board’s strong confidence in his leadership and in the direction of Anne Arundel County Public Schools under his leadership,” Board President Gloria Dent said. “ We have seen measurable progress in student outcomes, stronger engagement with staff and families, and meaningful partnerships across our community that continue to support student success. This Board values the stability, accountability and vision Dr. Bedell brings to this school system, and we want him to continue leading for the benefit of our current and future students, staff, and families. Renewing his contract was both intentional and unquestionable.”
Dr. Bedell’s new contract, which begins on July 1, 2026, calls for him to be paid $372,171.60 in the first year of the contract. Thereafter, he is eligible to receive an increase equal to any that may be received by 12-month executive staff each year.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools is the state’s fourth largest school system, with more than 84,000 students and 12,000 employees. It operates 128 educational sites: 78 elementary schools; 19 middle schools; 14 comprehensive high schools, four charter/contract schools; three developmental centers; three early education centers; two educational options sites; two applied technology centers; one virtual academy; and one outdoor education center. It also operates an Evening High School with six in-person sites and one virtual site. Three new sites – Carver Early Education Center, Marley Glen Center at Severn Run High School and New Village Academy public charter school – are scheduled to open in August 2026.
The system’s current operating budget is nearly $1.8 billion.