Being a principal at any FCPS school is a massive job. Our schools are big, and we have a highly educated and demanding parent base. Principals can't be everywhere and do everything. I like principals that try to be present as much as possible -- attending sports games, band concerts, parent coffee talks, etc. Our high school principal himself went out to a construction site outside of the school to kindly request that construction occur outside of morning drop-off hours because the traffic delays were causing kids to be late to school and parents to be late to work. I was impressed. And I love principals that get involved in encouraging the student body to be open, kind, accepting, and "widening the circle." I'd never experienced that growing up and love that my daughter is in such an accepting school system.

To answer this question I have to go way back.
Carolyn Boxley was principal at Franklin Sherman Elementary in the 1970s and early 1980s. She was so outstanding that she was chosen to leave and open the brand new Oak Hill Elementary in 1983. Several teachers went with her. Franklin Sherman has never had someone that good in 40 years. She was so loved that kids and their parents still talk about her. I have talked to former faculty who never had another principal like her. It's too bad.
I was a teacher for 30 years and always dreamed of a principal like her.

I’ve heard this about Principal DeRose, and it makes me wonder about other unsung heroes. Who are some others who lead challenging schools with positivity, accountability, and good sense? It is good to hear about these people and to see examples of traits that students, staff, and parents appreciate.