2 Vying To Be Prince George's Schools Head Withdraw From Race

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- The two remaining finalists vying to lead the Prince George's school system have withdrawn.

The Washington Post reports Alvin Crawley and Harrison Peters notified the county board of education they were withdrawing Friday. Their withdrawal came just as Maryland is poised to approve legislation that would let the county executive, rather than the board, select the new schools superintendent. The county executive, Rushern Baker III, has indicated he would reopen the search if the legislation is approved.

Lawmakers passed the legislation Saturday, and a spokeswoman for Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said in an e-mail that he plans to sign it.

The county is looking for a replacement for former superintendent William R. Hite Jr., who left to head Philadelphia's schools.

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