February 19th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

At the February meeting of the Allegany County Board of Education, board members voted to request the removal of the interim label from Mr. Jeff Blank’s title to appoint him as the next permanent superintendent of schools in Allegany County. Today, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Karen Salmon, approved this appointment.

                    In a document sent to the local school board, Dr. Salmon said, “I am pleased to inform you that I hereby approve the appointment of Mr. Blank as Superintendent of the Allegany County Public Schools, effective July 1, 2021, until June 30, 2025.”

                    “Congratulations to Mr. Blank,” said school board president, Mrs. Crystal Bender. “We are lucky to have someone so committed to our school system and community. It has been a pleasure to work along side Mr. Blank, and I look forward to continuing that the next few years. "

                    Mr. Blank served as the Interim Superintendent of Allegany County Public Schools for the 2019-2020 school year, filling the vacancy left by former Superintendent, Dr. David Cox. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to continue in the role of Superintendent for Allegany County Public Schools,” said Mr. Blank. “I look forward to working with staff, students, parents, and the community for the next several years.”

                    Blank, who is a graduate of Beall High School, attended Allegany College of Maryland and the University of Maryland for his undergraduate degrees, and received his Master’s Degree from Frostburg State University in Administration and Supervision.

             He began his career as a math teacher in Prince George’s County in 1987. His tenure in Allegany County began in 1988, also as a math teacher. Other positions he has held include a coordinating teacher at John Humbird Elementary School; Assistant Principal at both Washington Middle and Fort Hill High Schools; Assistant Supervisor of Transportation; and Chief Administrative Officer and member of the Superintendent’s Senior Staff.

             Mr. Blank is the son of Donald “Dutch” and Sally Blank. He resides in Frostburg with his wife, Leesa, and children Katie, Amie, Jacob, and Salee. He is also a member of the First English Baptist Church.