Bonita Coleman-Potter, deputy superintendent of Jackson Public Schools in Mississippi, has been selected by the Prince George's County school board to become the deputy superintendent for county public schools, officials announced today.

The deputy superintendent position has been vacant since William R. Hite Jr. began serving as the acting superintendent of the county school system in November. He was named permanently to the superintendent position in April.

Coleman-Potter's appointment becomes effective July 1.

"The school system has become a leader in the nation with the work it is doing to ensure that every student has an effective and highly-qualified teacher in the classroom," Coleman-Potter said in a statement today. "I look forward to having the opportunity to work with our Board of Education and Dr. Hite in carrying out this important work."

Coleman-Potter's school district in Mississippi has about 31,000 students. Previously, she served as an associate state superintendent in Mississippi's Department of Education.

Coleman-Potter completed the Broad Superintendents Academy, a 10-month superintendents' preparation program, last year.

According to her biography on the Broad Superintendents Academy Web site, Coleman-Potter has a bachelor's degree from Tougaloo College in Mississippi, a master's degree from the University of Mississippi and a doctorate from Jackson State University.

Both Hite and his predecessor, former superintendent John E. Deasy, are also graduates of the Broad Superintendents Academy.

"I am thrilled to have Dr. Coleman-Potter join us in our work to improve education for children in Prince George's County," Hite said in the statement. "Her wealth of knowledge and broad experiences are aligned with many of our goals for the school system, and I look forward to working together to serve our students, staff and community."