The Board of Education of Charles County recognized six dedicated Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees at its March 10, 2026, meeting for their exemplary commitment to teaching, learning, and school operations in Southern Maryland.
The honorees include Rebecca Conner, special education teacher and department chair at Robert D. Stethem Educational Center; Henry Fors III, building service manager at Margaret J. Thornton Elementary School; Monica Halloran, math instructional resource teacher at Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School; Susanti Martinez, art teacher at William B. Wade Elementary School; Lindsey McNeil, special education teacher at Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School; and David O’Neill, science teacher at Matthew Henson Middle School.
Principals nominated these staff members for monthly recognition, highlighting their impact on students, colleagues, and school environments across Charles County.
At Stethem Educational Center, Conner leads the special education department while adapting to a dynamic student population. She implements individualized education plans (IEPs) effectively and supports Virtual Academy students toward graduation. Principal Corey Dobbins praised her role in fostering success: “Her efforts assist me in developing a positive culture and systems for both students and staff to have opportunities for success.” Conner also coordinates student service learning and captains the center’s Relay for Life team.
Fors relocated from New York to Maryland in 2016, joining CCPS that year. He brought teamwork and service experience to his role as building service manager when Thornton Elementary opened for the 2025-2026 school year. Principal Brian King, Ed.D., described the challenges of launching a new school: “[It] means constant problem solving, long hours, unexpected surprises and a never-ending list of needs.” King commended Fors for remaining steady, stepping in wherever needed, and delivering solutions.
Halloran supports Jenifer Elementary’s instructional resource team with targeted coaching that builds long-term capacity. She collaborates on data analysis, refines strategies, and stays current with research. Principal LaZedrick Jemison, Ed.D., noted her investment: “Her approach reflects not just short-term problem solving, but a strategic investment in building lasting instructional capacity across our building.” He added that she models curiosity and growth: “Remaining curious, reflective and committed to growth.” Halloran revived the Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program, sparking student engagement in STEM fields.
Martinez’s connection to Wade Elementary began as a parent, then as an instructional assistant before becoming art teacher. Principal Tangie Scales, Ed.D., called her journey inspiring: “Her story is a reminder of what is possible when talent meets opportunity and heart.” Martinez extends her influence beyond the classroom, displaying student artwork in hallways, leading art and chess clubs, and volunteering at events with face painting, crafts, and games. She submits student work to contests, including a recent Superintendent’s Holiday Card contest winner.
McNeil, a Dr. Mudd Elementary staff member for over ten years, advocates relentlessly for students, adjusting schedules for interventions that yield measurable progress. She mentors new teachers as an Anchor mentor and strengthens department systems. Principal Portia Parker highlighted her calm approach: “When challenges arise, she quickly proposes actionable options that support prompt resolution while keeping students’ needs at the center and ensuring staff feel supported.” Parker described McNeil as “a dependable resource to her department, helping strengthen systems, collaborations and instructional consistency schoolwide.”
O’Neill, a former principal in a neighboring county, brings deep school insight to Henson Middle School as a science teacher. He mentors new educators as an Anchor teacher, leads the sixth-grade team, coordinates Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and aids the MESA team. He personally helps an international colleague adjust by providing daily rides home. Principal Christina Caballero said: “He inspires students to explore engineering, innovation and problem solving, opening doors that many of them never knew existed.”
These recognitions underscore the daily contributions of CCPS staff to student success and positive school cultures in Southern Maryland’s largest district.