MCPS News

MCPS Welcomes 26 Principals

Posted On August 26, 2026

More than 150,000 students headed back to classrooms on Aug. 25 for the 2026–2027 school year. The Bulletin asked the district’s 26 new principals (newly hired or new to their school) to share a fun or interesting fact with The Bulletin and their school communities. Read what they had to say.

Elementary Schools

Dr. Clifford J. Cooper Jr.

Garrett Park Elementary School

I enjoy cooking for friends, family and colleagues, and I especially like to try making new recipes from different culinary traditions around the world. 

Michelle Esema

Westbrook Elementary School

I love water sports, kayaking, snorkeling and exploring under water cenotes, but I can't swim. I have a great life vest!

Kimberly Haden

Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School

Outside of school, one of my biggest passions is animal rescue. I volunteer with a local rescue organization, where I've helped rescue, foster and find homes for hundreds of cats and kittens. I also enjoy supporting new fosters and adoptive families by providing education and guidance to help people and pets thrive together.

Jeffrey Mehr

Cresthaven Elementary School

I’ve finished 25 marathons including New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C. and Berlin, Germany.

Teryl M. Nawezi

Flower Hill Elementary School

One of my favorite parts of being an elementary school administrator is experiencing the excitement of school through students’ eyes. I’m always up for a school spirit day or a chance to celebrate our students!

Kristen M. Reza

Burnt Mills Elementary School

When I was 6 years old, I sang on a children's music album! I was part of the kids' sing-along recording of "Rappin' Foo Foo," a rap version of Little Bunny Foo Foo, featured on Kathy Vadala's album, The Colors of the Rainbow. I have a lot of great memories about this process, including recording the album in the studio.  

Ilana N. Simhon

Fox Chapel Elementary School

Although I'm more of a planner than a thrill-seeker, my husband and our three kids have encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone by riding roller coasters, horseback riding, surfing, skiing and even rappelling. I’ve learned it’s worth trying something new at least once!

Kristinae Spurling

Cloverly Elementary School

I’m a passionate educator who brings school spirit to life by custom-designing my favorite Nike Air Force 1s to match my school's colors and logos. Keep an eye out for my unique, one-of-a-kind kicks as I hit the hallways running with Cloverly pride!

Joan M. Stump

Pine Crest Elementary School

Outside of the school building and classroom, my weekends are fueled by whistle-blowing and sideline cheering! I coach my two sons in youth soccer and basketball. I am eagerly anticipating another great season — go Sandstorms and Tigers!

Nakia L. Sutton

Arcola Elementary School

One of my favorite pastimes is working in my yard and my plant gardens. Like a new school year, it requires daily love and care, and offers a renewed opportunity for growth. 

Tracy Tibbs

Clarksburg Elementary School

I have completed two Marine Corps marathons (26.2 miles each) and the Disney Glass Slipper Challenge (19.3 miles). Crossing each finish line reminded me that perseverance, preparation and enjoying the journey often lead to accomplishments you never imagined possible.

Veneth Waters

Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary School

I was born on an island with 365 white sand beaches — one for each day of the year. The island is Antigua.

Peter Young II

Potomac Elementary School

I am a huge Broadway and musical guy, and took six years of ballroom dancing when I was younger.

Middle Schools

Jeanni Chin

Roberto Clemente Middle School

My husband and I met snowboarding in Whistler [British Columbia, Canada] and have traveled to Japan (three times), Italy and France to snowboard.

Dr. Joshua Fine

White Oak Middle School

Before going into education, I was in radio broadcasting and was featured on a morning show in Ocean City — OC104, Delmarva's station for dance and romance!

Diana Hayden

Takoma Park Elementary School

I attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts for dance and have taken dance classes with Alvin Ailey Dance Company. In my spare time, I enjoy wedding and event planning.

Nadia Kline-Taylor

Argyle Middle School

I’ve been an educator at all grade levels, K–12, and love middle schoolers the most because they have the perfect mix of the curiosity and joy of children and the intellectual critical thinking of adults.

Kristi McAleese

Thomas W. Pyle Middle School

American Sign Language was my first language, and I was able to use that knowledge to teach ASL here in Montgomery County.

Elizabeth Merino

Eastern Middle School

This first day of school marks three exciting milestones for our family: my first day as a principal, my daughter’s first day of middle school and my son’s first day of kindergarten.

Lisa Shorts

Benjamin Banneker Middle School

I believe every great school starts with people who know and care about one another. This year, I'm excited to build relationships, collaborate with our community, and make sure every student, staff member and family find their place in becoming part of the Benjamin Banneker Legacy.

High Schools

Dr. La Faye E. Howard

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

I truly enjoy home improvement. I can tile, lay wood floors, and even install cabinetry and light fixtures. 

Robert Sinclair Jr.

Charles W. Woodward High School

I started hiking and camping 16 months ago. In that time, I have hiked almost 750 miles with 121,000 feet of incline, including over 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail from central Pennsylvania to central Shenandoah National Park.

Micah Wiggins

Sherwood High School

I visited 13 countries before going to New York City for the first time. I have been to Paris more times than I have been to New York. I grew up in Virginia Beach and attended the same church with musical artists, Pharrell and Timbaland.

Special Schools

Jada Langston

Carl Sandburg Learning Center

I played the violin from elementary all the way through high school. It got me out of taking typing class in high school. I am a pecker on the computer. 

Dr. Belinda Penn

John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents 

I’ve had the opportunity to lead schools both in the United States and internationally in Abu Dhabi. My global experiences inspired me to earn a doctorate in Global Education and continue advocating for students and educators across diverse communities.

Casey Siddons

Rock Terrace School

I have been on multiple international trips with students and ones for teacher professional development. I have been to Italy, France, China, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic and Japan with students. With teachers, I have been to Germany with the Goethe Institut Transatlantic Outreach Program and to Japan as a fellow with the Keizai Koho Center.