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ABOUT PSSAM
As a unified organization, the Public Schools Superintendents' Association of Maryland (PSSAM) is a non-profit advocacy organization jointly committed to partnering with local boards of education and governments to sustain excellence in education for more than 889,971 of Maryland's students, including:
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12.4% of whom receive special education services
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12.3% of whom receive English Language Learner (ELL) services, and
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51.3% of whom receive benefits through the FARMS program
PSSAM features representation by all 24 of Maryland’s local superintendents and strives to sustain educational excellence for all public school children in Pre-K through 12th grade and beyond. We provide leadership training and collaboration opportunities for current and aspiring superintendents with the goal of advocacy through a unified voice.
Meet Our Staff
Mary Pat became Executive Director of PSSAM in 2019, following in the footsteps of her good friend Renee Spence. She previously worked for the City of Baltimore as a Deputy Director and Policy Advisor for government relations for several years, leading the City's legislative efforts in Annapolis. She was also a Deputy Legislative Officer for former Speaker of the House Mike Busch and Legislative Assistant to Barbara Hoffman, then Chair of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.
Seeking a new challenge, Mary Pat came to PSSAM following her passion for public education, and with the education credentials as the daughter of two public school teachers. Mary Pat earned a BA in Economics and Political Science from Towson State University, and a Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland. Although a native of Anne Arundel County, she has been a proud Baltimore City resident for over 26 years and her two daughters attend Baltimore City Public Schools. A recent addition to her household is a loveable goldendoodle puppy, Annie.
Kevin leads PSSAM’s efforts to support the local implementation of the landmark educational reform legislation, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Prior to joining PSSAM, Kevin taught and served in various administrative roles for over 40 years with Calvert County Public Schools. Prior to his retirement from CCPS, Kevin was also serving as Calvert’s Blueprint Implementation Coordinator, which allows him to bring a deep understanding of the Blueprint legislation and local implementation efforts to his role at PSSAM.
In his free time, Kevin enjoys being with family and friends, boating, and is learning to play bridge.
Kristen Jarvis serves as the Director of Operations for PSSAM, where she leads the day-to-day functions of the organization. She ensures the effective implementation of strategic goals through streamlined internal systems and efficient operational processes. Kristen oversees core areas including administration, human resources, finance, and technology support, and plays a central role in project management and organizational coordination.
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Kristen holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Deaf/Hard of Hearing Education from Lenoir-Rhyne University (2012). Before joining PSSAM, she spent over a decade as an educator, teaching 6th grade English Language Arts at three different schools within Catawba County Public Schools in North Carolina. She returned to her home state of Maryland in the fall of 2023.
Outside of work, Kristen enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with their daughter and two dogs, and reading a good book.