Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas
Mary McComas is a leader in education, passionate about driving change, reform, and moving ‘education forward’ as an advocate for children and youth. For nearly three decades, Mary has realized many positive changes to better the lives of students. Whether in the classroom as a teacher, Chief Academic Officer, or Principal, she always keeps sight of the bottom line—the children.
As a leader of leaders that have answered the call for reform under historic demands, Mary is supportive and engaging. Her leadership style is one of inclusivity and innovation, underscored by pragmatism. She is a trusted BOE and community partner and a champion for evidence-based practices in curriculum design. Her ideas on how to chart new courses for better education, diversity, inclusion, and staff work-life balance mimic the corporate workplace with the future of our nation’s children as a compass.
Dr. McComas is implementing Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future at a school and has previously led Professional Learning and Curriculum and Instruction from 2015, in Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), the 25th largest school system with an accountability scope that ranged 30 offices. Yet, despite the complexity of a large ecosystem, for Mary, it is always about the children and their families.
Mary has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead at the cusp of educational expertise, financial acumen, operations management, and child development. Always ready for a challenge, Mary McComas played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic by quickly shifting gears to ensure education continuum for more than 116,000 students in 3 weeks – under mounting pressure, tighter budget, public unease, and accelerated demands for virtual learning.
Another accomplishment she is proud of is creating a clear path from graduation to work— game-changing possibilities for graduates who seek and need options other than college. BCPS currently leads the state in the number of students going into career and technical education industries right after graduation. Mary also made a difference in the area of diversity and inclusion evidenced by significant improvements in the percentage of minority students scoring above the 61 percentile in math and reading in 2021 and 2022 on the Measures of Academic Progress nationally normed assessment as well as gains for minority students and students receiving services on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program in 2023 for math.
Further, she has integrated brain science into the training of classroom teachers through professional training—a decision that moved the needle in reading scores. Before her role as CAO, Mary served as the Executive Director of Academics from 2016 to 2017. She catalyzed systemic change by expanding Spanish programs and integrating next-generation science standards.
Her deep roots in the education system include tenure as Principal of Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School #76 from 2012 to 2015 in Baltimore City Schools. Among several accomplishments, she reduced school violence by 93% through culture and climate transformation. She also served as Instructional Facilitator in Harford County Public Schools from 1997 to 2012 and as Assistant Principal at Aberdeen High School from 2004 to 2005, Department Chair and classroom teacher also at Aberdeen High School beginning in 1996.
When asked what she is most proud of accomplishing in her career, she always speaks about the children and the families supported during difficult times.
Dr. LeTrecia GlosterDr. LeTrecia Gloster embodies the essence of servant leadership, dedicating her life's work to the betterment of education and the empowerment of students and educators alike. With a rich background in both practice and leadership, Dr. Gloster's journey is marked by a deep commitment to equity, excellence, and community service.
Born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Dr. Gloster was profoundly influenced by her grandmother, a former teacher in Gullah Island located in South Carolina. It was her grandmother's tireless dedication to providing equitable access to education that ignited Dr. Gloster's passion for serving others and becoming an educator herself.
Throughout her career, Dr. Gloster has held various leadership roles in diverse educational settings, ranging from rural to urban school districts. From mathematics teacher to middle school principal and executive director, she has consistently championed initiatives aimed at creating inclusive environments where every student can thrive.
In 2019, Dr. Gloster assumed the role of Assistant Superintendent at The School District of the City of York (PA), a district facing significant challenges. Through her transformative leadership and strategic partnerships, she led the district to successfully exit Recovery status, marking a milestone achievement in Pennsylvania's education landscape.
Armed with a wealth of academic qualifications, including a B.S. in Mathematics Education, an M.S. in Educational Administration and Supervision, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Dr. Gloster is a lifelong learner committed to continuous growth and improvement. She is also a graduate of Howard University's Urban Superintendent’s Academy and a certified Arbinger trainer, empowering educators to cultivate cultures of organizational safety and purpose.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Gloster is deeply engaged in community service and mentorship. As a mentor and role model, she has supported numerous aspiring leaders in their journey towards school administration and district leadership. She is actively involved in civic organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., The Links Inc., Phi Delta Kappa Sorority Inc. and Jack and Jill of America.
In her personal life, Dr. Gloster finds joy in spending time with her family, including her husband and two daughters. She enjoys indulging in her hobbies of boutique shopping, Zumba exercising, and watching "The Golden Girls."
Dr. LeTrecia Gloster's unwavering dedication to servant leadership is a testament to her belief that "service is the rent we pay." With her head, heart, and hands, she continues to inspire and uplift those around her, leaving an indelible mark on the field of education and beyond.
Dr. Dawn Lucarelli
Dr. Dawn Lucarelli is the Associate Superintendent for Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Annapolis, Md., the 36th largest district in the United States. She is responsible for over 84,500 students in 119 schools.
Dr. Lucarelli has over 30 years of experience in public education with successful experiences as a Teacher, Reading Specialist, Assistant Principal, Principal and Regional Assistant Superintendent. She is a data-driven, results oriented leader who, as a certified Gallup Strengths Coach and Happiness Advantage trainer, brings a unique perspective to leadership, utilizing a strengths-based supervision style that empowers individuals to thrive.
Dr. Lucarelli’s diverse experiences highlight her passion for fostering inclusive communities and
nurturing students and leaders. Her mission is to ensure every student has access to opportunities in an environment that challenges and engages them in school and in life.
Dr. Lucarelli finds fulfillment in her role as a proud mother of four children, two of whom graduated from Carroll County Public Schools, while the other two currently attend Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Their presence serves as a daily reminder of her unwavering commitment to her "why" – the pursuit of excellence in education to shape brighter futures for all students.