PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Zina McGowan-Thomas, Public Information Officer, 301-475-5511, ext. 193

ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED

LEONARDTOWN, MD – Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael J. Martirano , announces the administrative appointments made by the Board of Education at its meeting of July 9, 2008.

The Board appointed Ms. Andrea Smith to the position of assistant principal at Leonardtown Middle School where she most recently served as a guidance counselor.  Since joining the school system in 2000, Ms. Smith has also served as a guidance counselor at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School and Leonartown High School . Her experience also includes serving as a counselor in the Baltimore County School System. Ms. Smith earned a Master of Education degree in guidance and counseling from Loyola College , and a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies from Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, WV .

The Board also appointed Mr. Michael Heibel to the position of assistant principal at Leonardtown High School where he has taught social studies for the past 16 years.  His first assignment with the school system in 1992 included teaching social studies at both Leonardtown and Great Mills High Schools .  Mr. Heibel’s experience also includes serving as a High School Assessment (HSA) lead teacher, social studies department chair, and teacher-in-charge.  He holds a Master of Education degree from McDaniel College , and a Bachelor’s degree from Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA.  

Mr. John Rio was named assistant principal at Esperanza Middle School .  Mr. Rio joins the school system from the Anne Arundel County Public School System where he most recently served as an interim assistant principal. Mr. Rio’s experience includes serving as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, educational director, and youth services manager.  He earned a Master of Education degree in administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from St. Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, NY .  

Additionally, the Board named Mr. Van Sage to the position of technology specialist in the Department of Technology where he has served as a technology technician since 2000. Prior to joining the school system, Mr. Sage served as a technician with FYI Professional, Inc., where he was responsible for providing technical support to the Charles County Public School System. Mr. Sage holds an Associate of Science degree in applied science and technology from Charles County Community College (now the College of Southern Maryland , La Plata Campus).  

These appointments are effective immediately.

-30-