Richmond, former Charles public schools' superintendent, dies at age 80

James E. Richmond, a 47-year career retired Charles public schools educator and former longtime superintendent, died at age 80 on April 24.

Richmond came to the Charles public school system in 1966 as a classroom teacher at La Plata High School, according to a release posted by the school system after his death. He transferred to Thomas Stone High School in 1969 when it opened and became principal there in 1973.

Richmond served as principal at Thomas Stone until 1985 when he was appointed director of supervision and curriculum for the local school system.

“First of all, it is one of the best jobs in the world,” Richmond said of being a principal, reflecting on his career in a retirement video. “You get to work directly with staff and with kids and you can directly affect what kids learn.”

He next served as director of school administration, beginning in 1987, then became the regional administrator for the southern region schools in 1994. Richmond was appointed as interim superintendent of Charles public schools in 1996.

He officially become superintendent the following year and served for four terms until 2013.

Throughout his tenure as superintendent, Richmond was often seen in schools visiting classrooms, talking with students, reading books to classes, meeting with teachers and staff and advocating daily on behalf of the students he proudly served, the release from the school system said.

“To say Jim enjoyed education would only scratch the surface. He embraced education, and he loved helping children,” Michael Lukas, member of the school board, said. Lukas was first elected to the board in 2010 and worked with Richmond during his last three years as superintendent. “He did all of this never seeking the spotlight though he was honored for his many achievements. His legacy will live on and his impact on students will continue for generations.”

Under Richmond’s leadership, the Charles school system made advancements in technology and instruction, opening new schools for a growing student population, implementing a systemwide data warehouse and establishing a strategic plan that focused on academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility of all students. His administration also focused on the importance of closing achievement and access gaps among students, the release said.

In 1996, Richmond pushed the board of education to form a Minority Achievement Committee and to approve the school system’s 10 requirements for minority achievement.

Richmond was inducted into the Charles County NAACP Hall of Fame in 2005 for his dedication to excellence and achievement in education for all students.

As superintendent, Richmond launched multiple programs to help students excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The school system developed partnerships with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Andrews Air Force Base and the Patuxent River Naval Base to develop compelling and real-life-based technology programs for students.

Additionally, Richmond was instrumental in launching the school system’s partnership with the Space Foundation to bring space-related STEM programs to teachers and students.

“I will remember Mr. Richmond for his visionary leadership. He worked to usher CCPS into the 21st century,” Linda Gill, the school system's executive director of schools, said. “The James E. Richmond Science Center and the partnership he developed with the Space Foundation inspired us to imagine the possibilities for students.”

In 2003, Richmond was named the Maryland State Superintendent of the Year.

Under Richmond’s leadership, the county opened four schools — North Point High School, Theodore G. Davis Middle School and Mary B. Neal and William A. Diggs elementary schools, and completed renovations and expansion of four others, including the addition of the school system’s first indoor pool at Henry E. Lackey High School.

Richmond’s final project was the building of St. Charles High School and its Science Center, which was named in honor of him.

Richmond reflected on his time with the school system in a 2013 video on the eve of his retirement as the superintendent.

“It’s about people. It’s not about things, but I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Richmond said. “Most people dream dreams, but they never implement them. I’ve had the pleasure of implementing almost every dream or vision that we’ve had for our children.”