ROCKVILLE, MD—Mr. Moreno Carrasco, principal of Richard Montgomery High School, was named the new director of secondary leadership training by Superintendent Jerry D. Weast Tuesday. He replaces Dr. Gail Covington McBride, who resigned to become superintendent of schools in Bisbee, Arizona.

The assignment of Mr. Carrasco is effective July 1, 2008. As director of secondary training, Mr. Carrasco will be responsible for working with new and experienced administrators to ensure they have the knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes to implement the Board of Education’s reforms at the middle and high school levels.

Mr. Carrasco is widely respected for his training abilities and has always been focused on developing the skills of his staff in his two assignments as principal in Montgomery County. Mr. Carrasco has been an educator in Maryland for 24 years, including the last 12 as a principal in Montgomery County. He first came to Montgomery County as principal of Eastern Middle School and was appointed principal of Richard Montgomery High School in 2003. He was named Maryland Principal of the Year in 2007.

Recently, Mr. Carrasco has been the subject of accusations in the media regarding his participation in an outside consulting business. The matter was thoroughly investigated and the allegations were not substantiated. However, Mr. Carrasco has discontinued his private consulting work.

The principal position for Richard Montgomery High School will be advertised and filled by August 1. Mr. Carrasco will work with the new principal to ensure a smooth transition.