Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Michael A. Watson has been with St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) since 2014 where he served as principal at Leonardtown High School (LHS).  Prior to joining SMCPS he worked in Calvert County Public Schools for 14 years as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal all at Patuxent High School (PHS). While in the classroom, he also coached football, baseball, and weight training. 

He left the classroom in 2007 to become an assistant principal at PHS.  Five years later, he became the principal of the school. In 2014, he joined SMCPS as the principal of LHS. In 2016, he was named the Administrative Accountability Officer.  In 2019 he was appointed as the Director of Facility Coordination, Health and Physical Education, and Athletics. In October 2024 he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of the Division of Supporting Services.

Mr. Watson holds a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies Education from Waynesburg University. He is certified to teach Social Studies 7-12 and Physical Education and Health K-12. He holds Administrator I, Administrator II, and Superintendent I credentials.