A passionate advocate for Anne Arundel public schools is retiring this year, but school board members and officials are not ready to see him go.
Fort Meade commander Col. Kenneth McCreedy will be leaving his position in July at the change of command ceremony and then officially retiring in October.
“It is rare today that we see the kind of leadership you exerted, and it is a shining beacon. You will be missed,” said board member Michael Leahy at a Wednesday school board meeting.
Superintendent Kevin Maxwell said he wants McCreedy to stay in the area and continue to support the schools in whatever way he can.
“You have been a true, tireless advocate for public education,” Maxwell said.
Since he became commander in 2005, McCreedy has been the “driving force” in starting the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Meade High School and supporting Project Lead The Way, a national engineering program at the school.
“He has worked tirelessly with the military and surrounding community to boost parent, business and community involvement in schools in and around Fort Meade,” said board President Tricia Johnson.
Most recently, McCreedy helped plan the new Homeland Security Signature program starting at Meade High in the fall. A future option for McCreedy would be serving on the program?s advisory board, Maxwell said.
The commander also was praised for helping create educational summits from the Fort Meade Alliance to ensure the cooperation between schools and communities to develop program to prepare students for the working world, Johnson said.
McCreedy said he hopes he can continue aiding the schools in some capacity.
“Our goal is going from good to great and we?re well on our way there,” he said.
