Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Grasmick in 2024 | |
| Born | 1939 (age 85–86) |
| Occupation | Maryland State Superintendent of Schools (1991-2011) |
| Spouse | Lou Grasmick (d. 2016) |
Nancy S. Grasmick is the former Superintendent of theMaryland State Department of Education, serving from 1991 until June 30, 2011.[1] Married to Baltimore businessmanLou Grasmick, who died in 2016, the couple also became active in various philanthropic endeavors.[2][3]
Born Nancy Streeks, Grasmick was raised in Baltimore'sForest Park neighborhood. While still a teenager attendingWestern High School, she had a bout of temporary deafness as a reaction to medication. She said later that she was inspired by the example ofHelen Keller and decided to devote her life to education.[4]
She received her doctorate from theJohns Hopkins University, her master's degree fromGallaudet University, and her bachelor's degree fromTowson University.[1]
Grasmick began as a teacher of deaf children at the William S. Baer School in theBaltimore City Public Schools. She subsequently served as a classroom and resource teacher, principal, supervisor, assistant superintendent, and associate superintendent in theBaltimore County Public Schools. In 1989, GovernorWilliam Donald Schaefer appointed her Special Secretary for Children, Youth, and Families and, in 1991, the State Board of Education appointed her State Superintendent of Schools.[1] In 1997, Grasmick was elected as a fellow of theNational Academy of Public Administration.[5] In 2000, Grasmick was the recipient of theHarold W. McGraw, Jr., Prize in Education, awarded in recognition of her achievements as head of the Maryland School system.[6]
In 2008, then-GovernorMartin O'Malley unsuccessfully sought to replace Grasmick as Superintendent, calling her "a pawn of the Republican Party" because of her support ofNo Child Left Behind.[7] At the time,Education Week ranked Maryland's schools third best in the U.S., based on several criteria. The effort ultimately failed, however, and she served for another three years, retiring at age 72 in June, 2011. By then,Education Week ranked Maryland's schools #1 in the nation.[4]