New Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent is working hard to move the system forward

TOWSON, Md. - Dr. Dallas Dance is the new Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools.  He's already hard at work.  He is working hard to make it one of the best school systems in the country.

He says he can do it with his proactive approach and the help of the community and staff.

"Baltimore County is a good school system. We know that our academic indicators point to that, but we are not interested in being a good school system.  I hear from parents that they want a great school system.  They want to be nationally known for our efforts," said Dr. Dallas Dance, Superintendent Baltimore County Public Schools.

Although Dr. Dance officially started on July 1st, he's been hard at work before that time.  Dr. Dance has traveled the Baltimore County School District meeting with teachers, faculty and students on what is called a "Listening Tour."

He is a man with a plan and it's called Blueprint 2.0.  Dr. Dance plans to improve curriculum development, professional growth for all employees and communication.  He wants people to understand the message of where Baltimore County Public Schools is going.

"Our district's goal is to become the best school system in the nation. We are going to do that," said Dr. Dance.

Dr. Dance comes to Baltimore County from Houston, Texas where he was Chief Middles Schools Officer of The Houston Independent School District.  He distinguished himself as a steady and driven leader with outstanding communication, problem solving and human relations skills.

At 31-years-old, he is the youngest Superintendent Baltimore County has seen in many years.  He does not let that sway his focus.

"The conversation at some point has to shift from age to skill set and the skill set of what it takes to run any organization and that's listening, leadership and visionary.  It's making sure you understand people to get a task accomplished. There have been many individuals with mountains of experience who have not been successful in positions, but I think you have to look at the skill set of an individual before you look at age or any other criteria," said Dr. Dance.

As the start of the school year approaches, Dr. Dance is anxious to get inside more classrooms to talk with students and faculty.  He says visiting schools helps keep him grounded.  He says by working together as Team BCPS, this school system can become the best.

"It's just not one person leading this district.  We are all leaders and we all have to play a critical role to move this district forward and we will," said Dr. Dance.

Dr. Dance plans to continue his Listening Tours in September and October.  He plans to hold meetings with the opportunity to talk to staff, the community and students.  He wants to gather their input on the school system.