Four principals have been selected as finalists for the 2023-2024 George Arlotto Leadership Award, given annually to the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Principal of the Year.
The finalists, determined by AACPS’ Office of School Performance, are:
- Heather Garris, Tracey’s Elementary School
- Deneen Houghton, Oak Hill Elementary School
- Bonnie Myers, Bodkin Elementary School
- Joe Rose, Center of Applied Technology North
The winning principal, who will be announced in December, will represent AACPS in the 2024 Washington Post Principal of the Year program. All four finalists will be honored at the Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Education Foundation of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at The Hall at Live! Arundel Mills.
Last year, Richard Rogers, the previous principal at Walter S. Mills-Parole Elementary School, was the recipient of this prestigious award. In 2021, the award was bestowed for the first time to Tyler Heights Elementary School Principal Julia Walsh. It was renamed by the Foundation in June of 2021 in honor of Dr. Arlotto, who approached the Foundation about creating an awards program to recognize the outstanding principals in AACPS. Dr. Arlotto served AACPS for 16 years, the final eight as Superintendent.
Sponsorships are currently available for the Excellence in Education Awards Dinner, at which the 2023 Principal of the Year will be recognized and the 2024 AACPS Teacher of the Year will also be announced. Tickets for this event will go on sale on December 15, 2023. For sponsorships, please visit: EiE2024.givesmart.com or contact Chuck Yocum (cyocum@aacps.org). Any questions regarding the event can be directed to Jenn Lombardi (jlombardi@aacps.org).