The Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals named Meade High School Principal Dr. Ryan Durr as the 2026 Maryland High School Principal of the Year on January 6, 2026, recognizing his leadership in fostering relationships, building teams, and driving student achievement.
The award, part of the National Association of Secondary School Principals Principal of the Year program, honors principals who demonstrate excellence in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and creating collaborative, goal-oriented school cultures that benefit all students. Dr. Durr’s selection highlights measurable gains at Meade High School in Anne Arundel County Public Schools during his tenure.
Dr. Durr stated, “This is a tremendous honor for our entire school community, and I am truly surprised, shocked and deeply humbled to receive this recognition. I am truly honored to represent Meade High School and the state of Maryland through this award. Our scholars, staff, families, and community partners work tirelessly each and every day to ensure that Meade High School is the very best it can be for our scholars. This award is not about me. It is about the Meade family. As I tell our scholars daily, ‘It’s a great day to be a Mustang,’ and I am incredibly proud to be a part of such a dedicated, passionate, and supportive school community.”
Under Dr. Durr’s leadership, Meade High School earned a three-star ranking on the Maryland Report Card for each of the last two years and increased its percentage of points earned in all three years he has served as principal. The school’s graduation rate for the Class of 2024 rose more than three percentage points from the previous year. Proficiency on the English Language Arts Grade 10 MCAP assessment increased 13.4 percentage points year-over-year.
A student wrote in a letter of support, “Dr. Durr makes an effort to build a bond with all of his students and he makes you feel seen and you heard every day. He goes above and beyond to make sure we are thriving as well as happy. He’s always interested in the new ideas that we like to bring and eager to let us bring them to life. He grows bonds with his students and community, allowing us to feel comfortable coming to school and ready to learn.”
A teacher added in a nomination support letter, “As part of leadership, it is easy for me to see all of the ways that he provides opportunities for students and staff to make decisions and have a voice. He is not a selfish decision-maker. He knows that leadership is a process and encourages students and staff to take on those challenges. If hard decisions need to be made, he will do that and own them, but he always makes sure voices are heard when making those decisions.”
MASSP Executive Director Chris Truffer noted, “The increases at Meade under Dr. Durr’s leadership are significant. In addition to anecdotal comments about a feeling of greater safety and security, Meade achieved a 13 percentage point increase in students passing the MCAP English 10 assessment in 2025, measurable growth across IB exam areas, and notable gains in instructional consistency and implementation of the Middle Years Programme building wide. Dr. Durr’s leadership and results make him an excellent choice for this award.”
Dr. Durr began his education career as a science teacher in the Cleveland Municipal School District in 2002. He transitioned to administration in 2008 and became a principal in 2010. Before joining Meade High School, he served as principal at Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy in Baltimore City.