SALISBURY, Md. – Wicomico County Schools Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin has announced that she will retire in 2022.
Dr. Hanlin has served as Superintendent for the district since July 2016 and will wrap up her education career of more than 43 years on June 30, 2022.
“After more than 43 years of a wonderfully fulfilling career in education, it is time for me to focus on family. With most of my family in North Carolina, including four beautiful grandchildren, my husband and I are looking forward to spending more time with our growing family as we plan for the next chapter of our lives. “While I will continue to give my all to my duties as Superintendent through June 30th, I am making this announcement so the Board of Education, in collaboration with the community, will have as much time as possible to conduct the search for a new leader for Wicomico Schools. Whoever is selected as the next Wicomico Superintendent of Schools will have the privilege of guiding an outstanding school system with an extremely dedicated staff and excellent students.”
Dr. Hanlin graduated from James M. Bennett High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. She began her career as a classroom teacher in Wicomico County Public Schools, then became a school counselor, where she assisted in the design of the school system’s elementary guidance program. Hanlin then went on to serve students and families as Assistant Principal at Wicomico Middle, Assistant Principal and Principal of James M. Bennett High, and Director of Secondary Education.
The Board of Education says it is thankful and appreciative of Hanlin’s leadership. While the terms of her contract allowed for the possibility of retirement prior to the end of the contract in 2024, the Board said it could not have had a better person in charge over the past few years.
Board Chairman N. Eugene Malone Jr. said, “Dr. Hanlin has done an outstanding job as Wicomico Superintendent of Schools through many opportunities and challenges and initiatives since 2016. She will be leaving an impressive legacy of leadership, and this Board thanks her for all she has done, and will continue to do in the coming months, for Wicomico students, families, staff, and the community. We all wish you well in your next chapter.”