CUMBERLAND — The Allegany County Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Michael Martirano as its next superintendent of schools Tuesday evening.
Martirano will replace Jeffrey Blank, who will retire when his contract expires June 30.
“I am just honored and privileged to be able to serve the children and young people of Allegany County,” Martirano said. “I absolutely love Allegany County.”
Martirano grew up in Frostburg and attended Frost Elementary School, graduating from the former Beall High School.
“Welcome home,” said board member Linda Windmyer.
Martirano served as the Howard County superintendent before retiring in January 2024, and was West Virginia state superintendent of schools from 2014-2017.
“I am looking forward to a smooth transition,” Martirano said. “This is an opportunity to return home.”
Martirano attributed his success in academia to the “community that raised me” in Allegany County.
Prior to his stint in Howard County, Martirano served as a teacher, principal and superintendent in St. Mary’s County.
“I think he’s going to be a great superintendent for our county,” said Board of Education member Max Green. “There’s not a better candidate that we could have hoped for.”
Green said the hiring process was “very intense.”
“I look forward to working with him,” said board member Dr. David Bohn.
Board President Crystal Bender said that public meet and greets with newly appointed Martirano will be held “in the coming weeks.”