HCPSSMeet HCPSS’ New 2026-2027 Principals
October 14th, 2026
HCPSS welcomed one new principal mid-year last school year and six new principals for the 2026-2027 school year. As you’ll read below, each one brings a different set of experiences to the job, but they all share a passion for serving their students, staff and communities.
Howard Carter, Jeffers Hill Elementary School
Howard Carter has been an educator for 22 years. During his 14 years of service with HCPSS, he has served as assistant principal at Guilford and Swansfield elementary schools; a leadership intern at Swansfield ES; and a 5th grade teacher at Guilford ES.
Who/what inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My father was my greatest inspiration to pursue a career in education. He always wanted to become a teacher, but he did not have the opportunity to attend college. His passion for helping others and his belief in the importance of education stayed with me. In high school, I had the opportunity to tutor students with sickle cell anemia, and that experience gave me an early glimpse of how rewarding it was to support students in their learning and growth. Then, while working at a day camp during college, I realized just how much I enjoyed working with children. Those experiences helped me recognize that education was more than just a career for me; it was something I was passionate about. They ultimately led me to become an educator, and that passion continues to drive me today.
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
I am most looking forward to building relationships and becoming part of the Jeffers Hill community. As a new principal, I’m excited to get to know our students, staff, families and learn what makes our school special. I’m also excited to create a school environment where students are excited to come to school, staff feel supported and valued, and families feel welcomed and connected. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to seeing our students grow, take risks, discover new things, and realize their potential.
What is one piece of advice you have for students to help them succeed this year?
Students, never be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a part of learning, and they give us an opportunity to grow. Ask questions, try new things, learn from challenges, and don’t give up when something feels difficult. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to keep learning and keep trying.
Michael Cometa, Folly Quarter Middle School
In addition to serving as assistant principal of Long Reach HS, Reservoir HS and Patapsco MS, Michael Cometa has served as a general educator and special educator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels for 20 years.
Who/what inspired you to pursue a career in education?
After my senior year of high school, I was certain that I wanted to pursue a career in architecture. However, I decided to volunteer with a family friend who is a teacher and works closely with students facing a variety of academic, social, and behavioral challenges. Through this experience, I discovered how rewarding it was to support students and make a meaningful difference in their lives. That experience ultimately changed my perspective and convinced me that a career in education was the right path for me.
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
This year, I’m most looking forward to building meaningful connections with the staff, students, and broader community of Folly Quarter Middle School.
What is one piece of advice you have for students to help them succeed this year?
My advice to students is to give their very best to the moment they’re in, but to then let that moment go and move forward. Give each assignment, challenge, and opportunity your full effort; learn from every experience, let go of what you can’t change, and approach the next opportunity with the same focus, effort, and belief in yourself.
Nicole Dennis, Marriotts Ridge High School
Nicole Dennis has been principal at MRHS since Dec. 2025. Prior to joining HCPSS, she served as a college and career readiness project specialist for Anne Arundel County Public Schools; sustainability coordinator for Falls Church City Public Schools; and assistant principal at Northwest Cabarrus and South Iredell high schools in North Carolina.
Who/what inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I grew up in a small town and a close-knit community where relationships mattered. I was fortunate to have teachers who showed genuine care for me—not only as a student, but as a young person. They took the time to know me, encourage me, and see potential in me, often beyond what I could see in myself at the time. Those experiences shaped my understanding of the impact educators can have and ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in education. I wanted to provide that same sense of connection, support, and possibility for others.
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
I am most looking forward to seeing the continued growth of our students and staff at Marriotts Ridge. We have an incredibly talented school community, and I’m excited to see our students challenge themselves, discover new strengths, and achieve their goals while our staff continues to learn and grow alongside them. Most of all, I look forward to celebrating those successes—big and small—and continuing to build a culture at the Ridge where people feel valued, supported, and proud to be part of our Mustang community.
What is one piece of advice you have for students to help them succeed this year?
My advice is to lean into the values that define us at Marriotts Ridge: Motivation, Resilience, Honor, and Service. Stay motivated by setting goals and taking ownership of your growth. Be resilient when things don’t go as planned—challenges are often where the greatest learning happens. Lead with honor by making choices that reflect who you want to be, even when no one is watching. And find ways to serve others, because success is not only about what you accomplish, but also about the positive impact you have on the people and community around you.
Christine Johnson, Cedar Lane School
Christine Johnson has served in HCPSS for 20 years. During that time, she has held the positions of high school teacher, assistant principal at Guilford Park HS and Ellicott Mills MS; resource teacher in the Department of Special Education; and Special Education instructional team leader at Glenwood MS and Atholton HS. She was named acting principal of Cedar Lane during the 2025-2026 school year and was promoted to principal this year.
Who/what inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I have always loved school and being a part of a class community. I was inspired by my mother, who ran an in-home daycare and later became a paraeducator at my elementary school. Growing up with family members with disabilities and seeing students learn in separate classrooms sparked my passion for belonging and inclusion.
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
I’m looking forward to getting to know every student and celebrating who they are. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students find their voice, grow in confidence, gain independence, and show us all what they’re capable of.
What is one piece of advice you have for students to help them succeed this year?
Believe in yourself, even on the hard days. Progress doesn’t happen all at once. Every time you try, communicate, connect, or take a small step forward, you’re growing. Those small victories matter and they add up to something amazing.
Courtney Madden, Bushy Park Elementary School
Courtney Madden has served HCPSS for 19 years in various capacities, including assistant principal at Swansfield and Ducketts Lane elementary schools; instructional team leader at Ducketts Lane ES; and a teacher at Atholton ES.
Who/what inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I always knew I was born to be a teacher. I loved working with kids through babysitting and giving swim lessons, and being the eldest of four kids probably helped, too! It wasn’t until I was asked to help open DLES as the 4th grade ITL under Heidi Balter that I discovered my passion for school-based administration.
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
I’m most looking forward to building meaningful relationships with our staff, students, families, and the entire Bushy Park community. I’m excited to learn, grow, and celebrate all that makes our school so special!
What is one piece of advice you have for students to help them succeed this year?
Be curious, be kind, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Try your best, ask questions, and remember that every day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and become an even better version of yourself.
Jason Morton-Ortega, Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School
During his 23 years of service with HCPSS, Jason Morton-Ortega has held several positions, including assistant principal at Bryant Woods, Worthington and Forest Ridge elementary schools; leadership intern at Waterloo ES; student engagement teacher at Bryant Woods ES; and 5th grade teacher at Cradlerock ES.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My inspiration stems directly from my family’s deep roots in education right here in HCPSS. My grandfather and both of my parents were HCPSS educators, with my parents dedicating their entire careers to teaching in the county before retiring. Growing up, I had the privilege of seeing them in action and witnessing firsthand the profound, lasting impact they had on their students’ lives. Their dedication inspired me to follow in their footsteps and dedicate my life to making that same positive difference.
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
I am most excited to build strong, positive relationships with our staff, students, and families, and to truly embed myself in the heart of our school community. As I step into this new role, I look forward to expanding my leadership capacity and serving as an instructional leader—working collaboratively with our team to support the growth, safety, and success of every child.
What is one piece of advice you have for students to help them succeed this year?
My biggest piece of advice for our students is to always choose kindness. Build your classmates up, lend a hand when someone needs help, and embrace the unique differences that make each person special. When we treat each other with respect and acceptance, we create a safe, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and truly ready to learn and thrive.
Dr. Rhoda Núñez-Donnelly, Oakland Mills Middle School
Rhoda Núñez-Donnelly served for 19 years in Massachusetts Public Schools and 10 years in HCPSS. In Howard County, she has served as assistant principal at Murray Hill and Harper’s Choice middle schools; a resource teacher for the Office of World Languages; and a Spanish teacher at Wilde Lake MS and River Hill HS.
Who/what inspired you to pursue a career in education?
Education is quite literally in my blood! I come from a long line of educators, with more than 20 educators in my family. My great-grandfather made such an impact as an educator in his hometown in the Dominican Republic that streets there bear his name. Education has always been part of my family’s legacy, so I guess you could say I was born to do this work!
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
I am most looking forward to putting down roots and building meaningful relationships with our students, staff, families, and community. Oakland Mills is an incredible community with a strong sense of pride and belonging. I am excited not only to lead here, but to become part of the fabric of this community and contribute to what makes it so special.
What is one piece of advice you have for students to help them succeed this year?
Know that you have a voice, and your voice matters. Use it to advocate for yourself, ask for what you need, share your ideas, and contribute to your school community. Students should not just attend school. They should help shape it. I want our scholars to know they have the power to help create the kind of school they are proud to call “hOMe.”