Richard Montgomery Seeks New Principal

The following is from Rockville Central friend Lori Miller:

Families in the RM cluster can have a voice in the selection of a new principal for Richard Montgomery High School, but don’t delay: MCPS plans to move on a fast track for a decision.

MCPS officials described the selection process and took questions from parents at a meeting Thursday (6/12) night. Parents filled out a survey to rank the most important characteristics of a principal, and also submitted written comments. That information will be used in choosing and interviewing the principal candidates.

Because the meeting was called on short notice, PTSA President Kate Savage has arranged to provide copies of the questionnaire in the main office at RM. They are designed to be read by a scanner: Use a number 2 pencil and fill in the bubbles for up to five listed characteristics. At the top, fill in 0201 for the school code and use the date June 12.


Comments can also be sent to RM’s community superintendent, Dr. Sherry Liebes.

Candidate interviews are to take place and a decision made within weeks. Current principal Moreno Carrasco announced his departure this week, and will become director of secondary leadership training in the MCPS central office.

Parents at the meeting floated one candidate’s name: James Fernandez, current principal of Einstein High School and former principal of Julius West Middle School. The two MCPS officials present said they didn’t know if Fernandez would want to leave Einstein or if Superintendent Jerry Weast would prefer to keep him there. Members of the community can submit names and offer advice, but the final decision belongs to Weast.