The Board held a special public business meeting this afternoon to make the announcement to the community and to ratify Willow’s contract.

Dr. Willow currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of WCPS, where he has led district-wide instruction initiatives, school improvement efforts, and student support projects across the school system. He has more than 20 years of public education experience, including 18 years serving as an administrator at the school and district levels.

Darrell Evans, WCBOE president, says, “Dr. Willow has grown a positive rapport and is highly respected among students, staff, and families of Washington County Public Schools. He has extensive knowledge of our school system, and he has built strong relationships across the community. His experience in schools and at the district level gives him the necessary knowledge and perspective to move WCPS forward.”

“Dr. Willow has worked strategically to strengthen teaching and learning across Washington County Public Schools,” Dr. April Zentmeyer, WCBOE vice president, adds. “Through his leadership, WCPS has adopted a more rigorous and consistent curriculum in core academic areas to help ensure all students have the best academic opportunities. He has also helped expand learning pathways for students, including additional Career and Technical Education programs and dual enrollment courses through our partnership with Hagerstown Community College. As he steps into the role of superintendent, the Board is confident Dr. Willow will continue building on the progress of WCPS with a focus on academic success and preparing every student for the future.”

As WCPS' Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Willow provides executive leadership in the areas of curriculum and instruction, special education, student services, and other key areas supporting student success. He was appointed as the Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in 2020, where he led the district’s instructional strategy, school improvement initiatives, and implementation planning for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future as well as federal accountability priorities.

“I am honored to be selected to serve as the next Superintendent of Washington County Public Schools,” Dr. Willow says. “WCPS has an incredible team of educators, school leaders, and staff. I look forward to continuing our work with school communities to create unique learning opportunities for every student. I am committed to ensuring our schools remain focused on academic excellence and preparing our students for life beyond graduation.”

During his time as Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Willow helped guide instructional initiatives that contributed to WCPS ranking among Maryland’s top ten districts in Mathematics and English Language Arts achievement. He is regularly working in schools, collaborating with principals and content specialists to monitor student progress and support intervention planning when necessary. In addition to increasing educational programs for students, he also expanded “Grow Your Own” initiatives to strengthen the teacher workforce in Washington County. These programs develop the interests of high school students in education and provide a pathway for WCPS paraprofessionals to become certificated teachers.

Dr. Willow previously served as principal of Smithsburg High School and Boonsboro Middle School. He came to WCPS in 2008 as an administrative intern after serving as a high school social studies teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools. As principal of Boonsboro Middle School, he led the school to become the highest-ranked middle school in Maryland on the Maryland Report Card during the 2017–2018 school year. As principal of Smithsburg High School, he supported improvements in student achievement and expanded Career and Technical Education opportunities.

Dr. Willow holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Shippensburg University, a Master of Science degree in Human Development from Towson University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Education Administration from Frostburg State University. He holds Maryland State Advanced Professional Certificates as Superintendent I/II, Administrator I/II, and Social Studies 7–12.

Dr. Willow will begin serving as superintendent of WCPS on July 1, 2026.