Superintendent Shawn Joseph Shares Plans, Goals for the Future of PGCPS

As the 2026-2027 school year officially kicks off for students on Aug. 24, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph has a major goal in mind: growth.

“We have an acceleration imperative,” Joseph told The Washington Informer, “and that’s why it’s really important that we don’t waste any time, be real clear about what we’re doing in reading and mathematics, because our goal is to accelerate learning and put things in place to be able to do that.”

With this year’s strategic plan, “Forward Design,”Joseph hopes to achieve his growth goals through new programming and changes that align with state standards.

“We’re starting with a new behavioral management program we’re excited about. 29 schools and Prince George’s County will be working with seven mindsets. We’re going to be teaching kids seven mindsets for them to live out their wildest dreams,” Joseph said. “So we’re looking forward to seeing that implementation this year.”

In addition, the superintendent has big plans for helping students and staff use artificial intelligence (AI).

“At the high school level, we’re going to be rolling out Gemini in the use of AI technology starting in January. So we’ll take the first semester to really teach kids about the ethics of AI and modeling for it, then we’re going to be rolling out new technology for teachers to be able to use,” he said. “But come January of this year, at the high school level, and at the high school level only, I’m going to give kids access to generative AI technologies. That’s if they’ll use it appropriately.” 

As these new programs in Prince George’s rollout, students and faculty will also have a slightly extended school day.

“We are adding five minutes to the bell schedule to be in compliance with Maryland state law,” the superintendent said. “That won’t have a huge impact on the day-to-day. Buses are still going to leave and come on time. 

It’s tagged on to the end of the day.”

Further, while student achievement is at the heart of Joseph’s goals, he also hopes to strengthen PGCPS educators.

“​​This year we’re going back to the basics we’re calling it. 

So we’re really focusing our professional development on the science of reading and helping students improve mathematics. So teachers are going to get what’s called the teaching and learning framework, really being more prescriptive and focused on what should be happening in reading and mathematics,” the PGCPS leader explained. “So there’s intentional focus and we spend a lot of time thinking through that, looking at research and best practices and working to implement.”

In addition, students from all 25 PGCPS high schools have access to dual enrollment at Prince George’s Community College, Bowie State University and University of Maryland Global Campus.  

The superintendent is also working with county and federal leaders, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Employ Prince George’s, to ensure the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities. Further, he is collaborating with Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy as the area prepares for a lot of potential growth opportunities for residents.

“We want to make sure they’re workforce ready because our county executive has been really focused on expanding an economic opportunity. You know, we have the sphere coming, we have some quantum labs emerging and we have a lot of federal opportunities within Prince George’s County,” Joseph said. “We just want our kids prepared to be able to go directly into those high paying jobs.” 

With 200 schools across the county and a bevy of plans and new initiatives, Joseph said PGCPS faculty and staff have been working hard and preparing to welcome students so they not only grow this year, but thrive throughout their academic career and beyond.

“Now it’s time to execute,” the superintendent told The Informer. “[We’re] looking forward to getting this year started, so people can really see what it looks like when a school district is serious about improvement in making access and opportunity for all children possible.”