Former Howard County Schools Superintendent Sydney Cousin Died

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Sydney L. Cousin, former superintendent of the Howard County Public School System, has died. The school system shared news of his passing on Friday morning.

Cousin retired from the school system in 2012 after serving as superintendent since 2004. His career with the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) spanned 25 years.

"It is with great sadness that I share with you that beloved former HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Sydney Cousin has passed away after a long illness," Superintendent Michael Martirano said in a statement Friday.

While superintendent, Cousin took a medical leave in January 2011 after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. Subsequently diagnosed with a neurological condition, he retired in summer 2012.

"His calm and steady demeanor, deep compassion and quiet yet assured nature represented an anchor of stability to countless staff, students and parents. Dr. Cousin firmly believed that 'every child can learn,' and he embodied inclusiveness and kindness to all," said Martirano.

Cousin worked for the Howard County Public School system for 25 years. He started his career in 1987 as director of school construction and planning. Before that, he had been a junior high history teacher in Baltimore for three years beginning in 1967, and then had worked in other roles for the Baltimore city government and city school system.

Cousin was employed in several administrative positions in the Howard County school system, leaving in July 2003 but returning just eight months later, in March 2004, to become interim superintendent. That "interim" tag was soon dropped, and he served two four-year terms in the role.

"He immediately reached out to me upon my return to Howard County, and I will forever be grateful for his advice and support during those early days," he continued. "Dr. Cousin will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and many friends."

SEE ALSO:

• Howard County Schools Superintendent to Step Down by 2012
• Howard County School Superintendent, Away Battling Lymphoma, Could Soon Be Returning to Work

File photo courtesy of HCPSS.