National Principal Of Year Finalist Hails From Anne Arundel County

GLEN BURNIE, MD - Marley Middle School Principal Kimberly Winterbottom was named one of three finalists for the National Principal of the Year award on Thursday.

Winterbottom, who also graduated from Anne Arundel County Public Schools, was lauded for improving test scores and student behavior.

Winterbottom said being a principal isn't easy, but she loves the challenge.

"No day is the same and I love that about my career," she said in a press release. "What I love even more, however, is working with a team to solve any and every issue that arises by utilizing excellent judgment, intentional focus and, most important, by doing what is best for students and staff. I thrive on finding solutions with the staff, parents, and community that make the building better every day and every year."

When Winterbottom started at Marley Middle 9 years ago, her students were the lowest performing out of the county's 19 middle schools. 

Marley is now outperforming 16 of the 19 middle schools in district math assessments. Sixth-grade language arts scores grew from 14.6% proficient and advanced to 40.2%. 

Additionally, behavior referrals have been cut in half during Winterbottom's tenure.

AACPS said Winterbottom has also created a plethora of community, faith-based and business partnerships.

Winterbottom grew up with AACPS. She attended Bodkin Elementary School and Chesapeake Bay Middle School before graduating from Chesapeake High School.

She started working for AACPS in 2009 as an assistant principal at Southern Middle School before serving as the school's principal for 2 years. Winterbottom eventually moved to Marley Middle.

Each state and the District of Columbia nominates one middle or high school principal for the Principal of the Year award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals. 

The other two finalists are:

• Shampriest Bevel of Bayside Sixth Grade Campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia 
• Andrew Farley of Brookfield East High School in Brookfield, Wisconsin

The winner will be announced Oct. 20 at a gala in Washington, D.C.

"Ms. Bevel, Mr. Farley, and Ms. Winterbottom are game-changing principals whose focus on equity and excellence has transformed their schools," NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe said. "By intertwining innovative mental wellness initiatives with academic rigor, they’ve reshaped what education means for their kids, ensuring that every student is not only academically challenged but emotionally nurtured. Their accomplishments have set the gold standard for what a 21st-century education can and should be, and we’re thrilled to spotlight their groundbreaking work."

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