UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) — The Prince George’s County school system is facing a search for a new superintendent after schools chief William Hite announced he is leaving for Philadelphia.

Hite’s announcement came just after Deputy Superintendent Bonita Colman-Potter announced she is leaving to take a job in Mississippi.

The school board has said an interim superintendent will be named within weeks. The board also plans to announce a process for selecting Hite’s permanent successor.

School board Chair Verjeana Jacobs tells The Washington Post the board will work to ensure a smooth transition.

Hite says he plans to honor his contract in Prince George’s, which requires him to give the board 120 days written notice unless they agree on a different time period in writing. Hite says he’s also discussing the transition with County Executive Rushern Baker.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)