After 31 years with the Howard County Public School System, Roger Plunkett is leaving his post as the system's business, community and government relations officer July 18.

At the end of the month, Plunkett will start his new job with the Harford County Public Schools as its assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

Plunkett, 51, was appointed to the position by the Harford County Board of Education on June 23. He will replace Gerald Scarborough, who is retiring, and earn a salary of $125,751, Harford schools spokeswoman Teri Kranefeld said.

Plunkett's salary in Howard County was $149,718, Howard schools spokeswoman Patti Caplan said.

In his new position, Plunkett will be responsible for reviewing and administering all curriculum and instructional programs in Harford County's 54 schools. Howard County has 72 schools.

Plunkett said he sees his new position as an opportunity to use the skills he honed while in Howard County to help the expanding Harford school system.

"Harford County is a growing area," he said. "They are the way Howard County was several years ago."

Harford Superintendent Jacqueline Haas recommended Plunkett for the position.

"Mr. Plunkett brings to this position a wealth of experience in school and system level administration," Haas said in a statement. "His experience with curriculum development, professional development and curriculum and program implementation will ground him in his new position here in Harford County."

Plunkett began his career in Howard in 1977 as an English teacher at Howard High School. He rose through the ranks, becoming assistant principal at Hammond High in 1989, principal of Atholton High in 1994, and principal of Wilde Lake High in 1997. In 2001, he was named assistant superintendent of school administration.

In 2004, then-superintendent John O'Rourke demoted Plunkett and administrator Kimberly Statham, accusing them of abusing the power of their positions in connection with an alleged grade-changing episode at Centennial High School. The school board later cleared the pair and reinstated them to high-ranking positions.

Plunkett said he will miss everyone in the Howard County system, especially the students.

"I really am grateful to everyone in Howard County," he said. "It's a great place to work."

Howard Superintendent Sydney Cousin said he wishes Plunkett the best in his new position.

"He wore many different hats and served many different functions in the system," Cousin said. "He will be missed."

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