Sydney Cousin will serve another four years as Howard County’s superintendent of schools. Cousin and the members of the Board of Education signed his contract during a short ceremony June 12.

Cousin’s new contract begins July 1.

“He is just a fantastic person for the position,” school board president Frank Aquino said. “He has the respect of all of our stakeholders — parents, teachers, staff and school board members.”

Cousin, 62, began his career with Howard County schools in 1987, when he was hired as director of school construction and planning.
Two years later, he was promoted to associate superintendent of finance and operations, then served as deputy superintendent and chief operating officer from 2001 until his retirement in 2003.

“When I retired in 2003, I had no intention in coming back to the Howard County School system,” Cousin said with a laugh.

He returned a year later, when he was named interim superintendent in March 2004 after the resignation of then-superintendent John O’Rourke.

The board offered Cousin a four-year contract to serve as superintendent that June.

Under his new four-year contract, Cousin’s salary will increase from $231,463 to $265,000.

The deal also includes annual cost of living increases and retirement plan payments, medical and life insurance coverage, a $700 per month car allowance and reimbursement for necessary business expenses.

His main goal over the next four years is to move the school system “from good to great,” Cousin said.

Cousin brings “a tremendous amount of experience” to the position,” Aquino said. “He is so familiar with the system. He’s best able to target resources where they’re needed.”

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