CAMBRIDGE, Md.- Dr. Fred Hildenbrand, superintendent of Dorchester County Schools, announced Wednesday his intention to retire when his contract expires in July of 2010.  He will have served the county's school system for 38 years. 

Hildenbrand began his tenure in Dorchester County in 1972 as a sixth grade teacher at Peachblossom Elementary School. A year later he became principal of Crapo Elementary in lower Dorchester County, and in 1974 was transferred to East New Market Elementary School.  Three years later he became principal of the newly-built Warwick Elementary School. In 1991, Dr. Hildenbrand was named principal of Vienna Elementary School, and in 1998, the school attained National Blue Ribbon status under his leadership.  During the same period, he was one of six principals in the nation selected for the Terrell H. Bell award for school leadership.

 In 2005, Hildenbrand was appointed interim superintendent of schools, and in 2006 he was awarded a four-year contract.

Commenting on Hildenbrand's retirement announcement, Philip L. Bramble, president of the Dorchester County Board of Education, spoke highly of the superintendent.

"Dr. Hildenbrand has restored a positive climate to Dorchester County Public Schools," Bramble said. "He has been the right man for the job as he has improved the quality of instruction and established a vision for the future of the school system.  

"Under his leadership, all of our schools have seen a steady rise in student achievement," Bramble continued. "Dr. Hildenbrand has transformed our system into one which attracts highly qualified teachers and continues to provide rigorous programs so that our graduates are ready to move on to higher education or to compete in the workplace."