LEONARDTOWN, MD -Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael J. Martirano, has announced administrative appointments made by the St. Mary's Board of Education at its meeting of August 31, 2005. Mr. Theo L. Cramer has been named as Director of Academic Support. He replaces Mrs. Deanna Nored who retired in June 2005. One of Dr. Martirano's first actions on beginning his job with St. Mary's County Public Schools was to place a brief hold on filling the position of Director of Academic support, saying he wanted to fill the position by the first day of classes. His new appointee began working September 6. Dr. Martirano missed his self-appointed deadline by five days.

In his new capacity, Mr. Cramer will direct system-wide instructional support activities related to closing the achievement gap and accelerating learning for all students through student assessments. He also will direct the gifted and talented program, and Title I services and extended day/year programs.

Cramer most recently served as the principal of Laurel High School in the Prince George's County Public School system. His experience also includes serving as an assistant principal, Maryland's Tomorrow teacher/case manager, alternative high school teacher, middle school teacher, and high school teacher. Mr. Cramer earned a Master's degree in supervision and school administration from Bowie State University, and a Bachelor's degree in political science/pre-law from South Carolina State University.