Sources: Hairston Won't Seek Contract Renewal

UPDATED (6:42 p.m.)—The nearly 12-year era of Joe Hairston as superintendent of the Baltimore County Public Schools system appears to be approaching an end.

Hairston himself, however, is declining to comment on the possible end of his tenure of the 26th largest school system in the country.

Multiple knowledgeable sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they’re not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, have told Patch that Hairston will announce he is not seeking to renew his contract. The announcement is expected to come possibly as early as Hairston’s report to the board at its Oct. 11 meeting.

Multiple sources also confirmed that Hairston’s decision may have been hastened by the fact that the board recently voted to not offer an additional four-year extension.

Hairston is in the final year of his third four-year deal. His current contract ends on June 30, 2012.

A spokesman for the school system said he had no immediate comment.

Hairston declined to comment on his possible announcement when asked tonight by WBAL TV.

Hairston told reporter Tim Tooten "right now it's business as usual for Joe Hairston. At the appropriate time, we'll certainly make some further comments but right now I'm thinking of moving on and getting the job done."

Stay with Patch for updates on this story.