LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Public Schools welcomed a new wave of leadership as the Board of Education approved key administrative appointments and transfers on July 16, 2025. Announced by Superintendent Dr. J. Scott Smith, these changes will enhance the district’s efforts to support its 17,000-plus students across Southern Maryland. St. Mary’s County Public Schools, known for its commitment to academic excellence, is positioning experienced educators to lead schools into the 2025-26 academic year.
Two educators will take on new roles within St. Mary’s County Public Schools. Summer Wood, currently a science teacher at Margaret Brent Middle School, was named Assistant Principal at Green Holly Elementary School, effective July 30, 2025. With a Master’s Degree from Towson University and a Bachelor’s from Frostburg State University, Wood is poised to bring her classroom experience to administrative leadership. Dr. Wendy Zimmerman, who has served as Acting Principal at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, was appointed Principal, effective July 21, 2025. Zimmerman holds a Doctorate from the University of Maryland at College Park, a Master’s from Towson University, and a Bachelor’s from Millersville University, equipping her with a robust academic foundation.
St. Mary’s County Public Schools also unveiled several transfers to optimize leadership across its 27 schools. Lisa Dean, previously Supervisor of Special Education, will transition to Academic Dean II at Park Hall Elementary School, effective July 21, 2025. Ashley Gallo will move from Assistant Principal at Dynard Elementary School to the same role at Leonardtown Elementary School, effective July 30, 2025. Dr. Vernetta Smith, formerly Assistant Principal at Chopticon High School, will take on the same position at Leonardtown High School, effective July 30, 2025. Kayla Verbic will shift from Assistant Principal at Leonardtown Elementary School to Dynard Elementary School, also effective July 30, 2025. These moves reflect St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ strategy to leverage internal talent for continuity and growth.
The leadership changes underscore St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ focus on placing skilled administrators in roles that align with community needs. The district, serving a diverse student body, prioritizes leaders who can foster academic and social development. Dr. Smith highlighted that these appointments and transfers are part of a broader plan to elevate educational outcomes. St. Mary’s County Public Schools invests in professional development to ensure its leaders are well-prepared, drawing on the district’s pool of experienced educators to maintain stability.
The new appointments will directly influence schools like Green Holly, Benjamin Banneker, Park Hall, Dynard, Leonardtown Elementary, Chopticon High, and Leonardtown High. By aligning administrators’ expertise with school-specific goals, St. Mary’s County Public Schools aims to enhance learning environments. The district’s emphasis on internal promotions signals confidence in its staff, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for educational leadership in Southern Maryland.