Three elementary school principals, a high school principal and a charter school principal make up the five finalists for the 2025–2026 George Arlotto Leadership Award, presented annually to the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Principal of the Year. This honor recognizes school leaders whose vision, compassion, and commitment inspire students, encourage staff, and strengthen families and communities.
This year’s finalists are:
● Jessica Alvear, Ridgeway Elementary School
● Cheryl Ann Cox, Walter S. Mills-Parole Elementary School
● Ryan Durr, Meade High School
● Kim Jakovics, Monarch Academy Glen Burnie
● Jed Kling, Windsor Farm Elementary School
One of these five outstanding leaders will be named the 2025–2026 AACPS Principal of the Year this December and go on to represent the district in the 2026 Washington Post Principal of the Year program. All five finalists will be celebrated at the Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Education Foundation of AACPS, on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the HALL @ Live! Arundel Mills. Details regarding tickets to this event will be available in the coming months.
Amy Guerke, principal of Ruth Parker Eason School, was the 2024-2025 winner of the award.
The award was renamed by the Education Foundation of AACPS in June of 2021 in honor of Dr. George Arlotto, who initiated the creation of a program to recognize exceptional school leaders across the district. Dr. Arlotto served AACPS for 16 years, the final eight as Superintendent.
Questions about the Principal of the Year program should be directed to Jenn Lombardi (jlombardi@aacps.org) and Meghan O’Brien (mwobrien@aacps.org). Questions about the Excellence in Education event or the Education Foundation of AACPS should be directed to Joe Callahan at jfcallahan@aacps.org.