S. Dallas Dance, Ph.D

Baltimore County Public Schools

As Baltimore County Public Schools’ superintendent, S. Dallas Dance, Ph.D, attends every high school graduation and shakes the hand of every student earning a diploma.

“To see them leave us with the credentials saying they are ready for the next step and to see the smiles of them and their families – that is by far the best eight days every year of my career,” he said.

Graduating with an English degree from Virginia Union University, Dance initially planned to go to law school after teaching for a couple of years. He ultimately decided to stay in education because he felt it was the place he could make the greatest impact.

As his career has grown, so has his impact, rising from a teacher to an assistant principal to a principal. He served in other high-ranking positions, such as assistant superintendent for the Louisa County (Va.) Public Schools and chief school officer for the Houston Independent School District before coming to Baltimore County in July 2012.

“The biggest drive I have is knowing that what I am doing every single day will have a lasting impact well into next century,” he said. “All of us can remember at least one teacher who was there for us, who pushed us, who made a great decision for us and I think that’s what drives me. Knowing that our economy won’t be better, our country won’t be better unless we truly impact, positively, young lives.”

The county’s Board of Education recently voted to reappoint Dance for another four-year term. He remains committed to leading the 26th-largest school system in the nation.

“All of us should remember that we would not be where we are had it not been for a quality education,” he said. “My job really is driven by the fact that we can’t get better as a country or as a region or as a state unless we have a quality education for every single kid. That’s the drive. …That’s our mission.”