WASHINGTON — Prince George’s County School Board Chairman Segun Eubanks, who had been accused in July of assaulting a panel member, resigned Thursday.
Eubanks’ resignation is something of a formality, as key personnel under outgoing executive Rushern Baker step aside for a new administration.
“I did not actively seek membership on the Board of Education,” Eubanks wrote in his resignation letter to Baker, dated Nov. 21. “Yet, when the opportunity came I happily accepted it with hope, confidence, and determination.
“I took on Board service with a great deal of faith in the students of Prince George’s County and hope in the adults and leaders serving them. Today, I have more faith than ever in the amazing, talented, and accomplished students of PGCPS.”
In a news release, interim CEO Monica Goldson expressed appreciation for Eubanks’ service as board chair. “He is a dedicated community servant, champion of public education and fierce advocate for our students,” Goldson said. “We are grateful for his time, leadership and contributions. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”
John Erzen, spokesman for Angela Alsobrooks, said the county executive-elect thanks Eubanks for his work and dedication to the county’s school system, and that Alsobrooks will work to appoint Eubanks’ successor in the coming weeks.
Baker also thanked Eubanks in a statement. “During Dr. Eubanks’ tenure, Prince George’s County Public Schools experienced an increase in enrollment and expanded academic offerings that provided more rigor to ensure that our students are college and career ready. I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
The assault case against Eubanks was dropped in August. School Board member Edward Burroughs had claimed that Eubanks shoved and threatened him after a heated board meeting in which outgoing schools CEO Kevin Maxwell was awarded an $800,000 exit package.
Burroughs said he was in a room where the board can meet in closed session after the meeting when Eubanks approached him, said he was “already going to resign,” then “pinned me against the wall, put his finger in my face and said ‘I will f— you up,’” Burroughs said.
A spokesman for the state’s attorney’s office in Montgomery County later said that prosecutors found insufficient evidence for the charge after reviewing the case.
Eubanks said in a statement at the time that he was pleased but not surprised by prosecutors’ decision. He called the allegations false and reckless.
WTOP’s John Domen and Mike Murillo and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
