Howard Co. Superintendent To Step Down In 2012

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (AP) -- The superintendent of public schools in Howard County says he'll step down at the end of next year because of a neurological condition that's affected his memory.

Sydney Cousin, 65, tells The Baltimore Sun that he will leave once his current contract expires in June 2012.

Cousin, who had already been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, says he's also been receiving physical, occupational and speech therapy for an undetermined neurological condition. He initially took medical leave in January and says his cancer has improved with chemotherapy.

He says the neurological condition was diagnosed after he suddenly passed out while waiting for an elevator during a vacation with his wife.

Cousin has been superintendent since 2004 and has worked for the well-regarded school system since 1987.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)