Montgomery County Schools superintendent Starr resigns

Montgomery County Superintendent Joshua Starr resigned Tuesday after a meeting with the school board. His resignation is effective February 16.

In recent weeks, the Board of Education has been deliberating about Dr. Starr's future with the district and whether to offer him a new four-year contract.

Much had been made of reports that Starr lacked the support of half the board over concerns he hasn't done enough to close the achievement gap.

Starr was to have told the board by February 1st whether he wanted to stay on.

"It has been an honor to serve as the superintendent of MCPS, and I thank the Board of Education for the opportunity to lead one of the nation's best school districts," Starr said.

"The Board and I thank Dr. Starr for the work he has done since 2011 and we wish him much success in the future," said Patricia B. O'Neill, president of the Board of Education. "The agreement we have reached today allows the Board and the district to move forward strategically to select a new leader and continue our tradition of excellence in Montgomery County."