When Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith took office in 2002, he had to lure former Schools Superintendent Tony Marchione from retirement to join the staff.
After three years of enjoying a North Carolina beach house and taking recreational classes, the chief administrator reluctantly agreed to serve four years. Marchione kept his word by officially announcing this week he will step down by the end of the year to return to retirement.
The confirmation was first reported in Wednesday?s Baltimore Sun.
“I won?t be working in 2007, let?s put it that way,” Marchione said Wednesday. “I started to play golf when I retired and I?ve only played twice this year.”
A spokesman for Smith declined to name potential successors, saying only that the county executive is taking time and advice on his options.
Smith?s appointment will be subject to approval from the County Council, who denied Smith?s first nominee in 2002.
Council President John Olszewski, D-District 7, said a replacement could come from the council itself.
“I am very thankful of Dr. Marchione?s lifetime of public service not only as the administrator, but also as superintendent of the public school system. I wish him well in his retirement.”
