HCPSSMeet Our New 2025-2026 Principals
October 22nd, 2025
HCPSS welcomed five new principals this school year. While each one brings a different set of experiences to the job, they all share a passion for serving their students, staff, and communities. Learn more about our new principals below.
Rashmi Bury, Wilde Lake Middle School
Rashmi Bury began her 18-year career with HCPSS as an English Language Development (then known as ESOL) teacher and then became an assistant principal. She served as an assistant principal at Harper’s Choice Middle School for four years, Murray Hill Middle School for one year, and Elkridge Landing Middle School for two years. An HCPSS alumna, Bury attended Waterloo Elementary, Mayfield Woods Middle, and Long Reach High School.
What she’s looking forward to: I am really looking forward to being part of the Wilde Lake Middle School community. From the moment I arrived, I immediately felt the warmth and love from both the staff and parents. It is clear that this is a school that values connection, collaboration, and care for its students. I am excited to contribute to that positive energy.
Who/what inspired her to go into education: What inspired me to go into education is a bit funny because I never actually thought I would become a teacher when growing up. I remember sitting in the library at St. Mary’s College wondering, “What am I going to do when I graduate in a few months?” That curiosity and love for learning eventually led me to the classroom, and, over time, I discovered how much I enjoy supporting students and helping them grow.
Her advice for students: My advice to students is to always be yourself and never feel like you need to change for anyone. Everyone has a different path in life, which is okay. Focus on finding your own path, embrace it, and enjoy the journey along the way.
Mariah Carr, Lisbon Elementary School
Dr. Mariah Carr has served as an educator for 24 years. She began her career as a teacher in Atlanta, before moving to Maryland. Prior to becoming an administrator, she worked as both a classroom teacher and a reading specialist. Since 2016, Dr. Carr has served as an assistant principal at Talbott Springs Elementary School, Ilchester Elementary School, and most recently Pointers Run Elementary School.
What she’s looking forward to: I’m excited to build relationships and learn more about the Lisbon community. It’s a place with such pride and tradition, and I’m honored to be part of its story.
Who/what inspired her to go into education: I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher. I was drawn to helping others learn and grow from a young age. My parents encouraged me to follow that passion, and I’ve never looked back. Education truly feels like where I’m meant to be.
Her advice for students: Believe in yourself and never give up. The key to success is having a positive mindset and the courage to keep going. You grow the most when you push through challenges.
Khaleel Desaque, Bryant Woods Elementary School
Dr. Khaleel Desaque has served as a school, district, and state level administrator for nearly 20 years across various educational institutions, including tenures as principal of Hilton Elementary and Hampden Elementary/Middle Schools in Baltimore City, as well as director of school improvement with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
What he’s looking forward to: This year, I am eager to effectively lead systems of support for students to ensure that all learners experience academic success and growth. I aim to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including staff, parents, and community members to meet the academic and social emotional needs of students. I am also enthusiastic about the transition of our school to a Community School, which will allow us to provide wraparound services and reduce barriers to learning by supporting both the student and their family.
Who/what inspired him to go into education: I was inspired to pursue a career in education by my mother and grandmother. My grandmother had the aspiration of becoming a teacher as a child, but was denied the opportunity as an African American youth, who was born and raised in Charleston, S.C. My mother, however, was able to actualize my grandmother’s dream, by serving as a teacher in New York City Public Schools for over two decades. I have two brothers, one of whom is a teacher in New York. My wife also has worked as a public educator for over a decade, so I am a member of a family who has worked within and supports public education.
His advice to students: Find your passion within your school experiences. Whether you love reading, mathematics, the sciences, fine arts, etc., schools offer programming where all students can thrive. I encourage students, across all grade levels, to trust the teaching and learning process, work hard and apply themselves, and build healthy relationships with peers and educators, to fully benefit from all that the public educational system has to offer.
Tiffanie Nunley, Harper’s Choice Middle School
Tiffanie Nunley has over 25 years of experience working in education. For the past two years, she has served as the assistant principal at Harper’s Choice Middle School. She also has served as an HCPSS team leader and a leadership intern. In addition, she served as an administrator in Baltimore City.
What she’s looking forward to: I’m looking forward to continuing to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families while fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. Each new year brings opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration, and I’m especially excited to see our teacher leaders continue to flourish as we focus on academic excellence and community engagement.
Who/what inspired her to go into education: I was inspired by the incredible teachers and family members who believed in me and showed me the power of education to change lives. Their passion and commitment to students motivated me to pursue a career where I could make the same kind of lasting impact. Over time, my drive has grown into a passion for supporting and retaining great teachers and developing future education leaders.
Her advice to students: Success starts with showing up, staying curious, and believing in yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek help when you need it, and set goals that challenge you to grow. Remember that mistakes are part of learning, and every day is a new chance to be better than you were yesterday.
Jennifer Patterson, Mount View Middle School
Jennifer Patterson has been in education for 21 years. She served as an English, Alternative Education, and Reading teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools and joined HCPSS in 2008 as an English and Reading teacher. While in HCPSS, Ms. Patterson has served the students, staff, and communities of Marriotts Ridge, Howard and Hammond high schools, and now, currently, Mount View Middle School.
What she’s looking forward to: I am most looking forward to getting to know the students and staff at MVMS. Each day, I am amazed at the rigorous instruction taking place in classrooms, the kindness I see in the hallways and the cafeteria, and the excitement for learning that happens here. I am just so honored to be able to support this amazing community however I can.
Who/what inspired her to go into education: I’ve always known I wanted to be in education. Since I was a little girl, all I can remember is telling my family I was going to be a teacher. School was my safe place; it was where I felt seen and valued. I decided to get into administration because my mom, a principal, showed me how involved and influential that role could be to support staff and students.
Her advice to students: Find your passion. Whatever excites you or gives you confidence, pursue that and find that space at school. Get involved and stay motivated. Create that art or write that short story; join the chess club, or act in the theatre production. Embrace school as the time to find out who you are and surround yourself with those who support you and celebrate you.