HCPS: School Board President Dr. Leonard Wheeler Dies

UPDATED (11:25 a.m.)—Dr. Leonard Wheeler, the president of the , has died.

Harford County Public Schools announced the news in an all-staff email at 8 a.m. Wednesday. A copy of that email, from manager of communications Teri Kranefeld, was forwarded to .

It reads:

HCPS Family –

It is with deep and sorrowful regret that I share with you the passing of our Board of Education President Dr. Leonard D. Wheeler.  At this time, the arrangements have not yet been confirmed.  As soon as that information becomes available I will certainly share it with you.

In this time of sorrow, we remember that Dr. Wheeler was a kind and caring man who dedicated his life’s work to education and the betterment of his community.  His passion for education and his desire to serve was evident in his leadership.  In his honor, we will continue our mission of preparing our students for a bright and successful future.

At the end of each day, go home and hug your loved ones.  Life is a precious gift.

County Executive David Craig released a statement just before 11 a.m. Wednesday. It read:

"I am deeply saddened by the news of the unfortunate passing of Dr. Leonard D. Wheeler. Dr. Wheeler had a distinguished career as an educator and served with distinction and integrity as a member of the Board of Education. Dr. Wheeler worked tirelessly to help make Harford County Public Schools one of the finest school systems in our state. 

Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences on behalf of the citizens of Harford County to Dr. Wheeler’s family, fellow Board members and the faculty and staff of Harford County Public Schools. Dr. Wheeler’s service to our school system will surely be missed." 

Wheeler was appointed to the board in 2008 after he retired from Baltimore City Public Schools. There, he was a teacher, curriculum specialist, principal and assistant superintendent, according to his profile on the Board of Education page on the school system website.

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