Charles County Public Schools has appointed Kayla Hawkins as the new principal of Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School in Waldorf, effective July 1.
Hawkins currently serves as assistant principal at J.P. Ryon Elementary School. She replaces Karen Lewis, who is retiring at the end of June after serving as principal at Dr. Brown since 2018. The Charles County Board of Education approved the appointment at its April meeting. Staff and parents at the affected schools received notification on April 28.
Hawkins joined Charles County Public Schools as an administrator in 2021. She served as assistant principal at Billingsley Elementary School from 2021 to 2023 before moving to the same role at J.P. Ryon in 2023. Before coming to CCPS she worked eight years as an elementary and instructional resource teacher in Prince George’s County Public Schools.
Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School, located at 421 University Drive in Waldorf, serves students in prekindergarten through fifth grade. The school emphasizes a supportive environment where teachers, staff, parents and the community work together to help students succeed. J.P. Ryon Elementary, also in Waldorf, has served the community since 1969 and maintains strong ties with local families.
The transition comes as Charles County Public Schools prepares for the 2026-2027 school year. CCPS operates 22 elementary schools serving a growing student population in one of Southern Maryland’s largest and fastest-developing counties. Waldorf and surrounding areas continue to see new housing developments, which increases demand for strong local schools.
Superintendent of Schools has highlighted the importance of experienced leadership in maintaining academic progress and positive school culture. Hawkins brings direct experience from two Charles County elementaries plus prior work in a neighboring district, positioning her to build on Lewis’s foundation at Dr. Brown.
Southern Maryland families rely on public schools as central community hubs. In Charles County, elementary principals guide not only academics but also after-school programs, family engagement and support services that help children from diverse backgrounds thrive. Dr. Brown and Ryon both participate in countywide initiatives including Project Lead The Way and gifted and talented programs.
Karen Lewis’s retirement closes a chapter of steady leadership at Dr. Brown. She began her CCPS career in 2008 and advanced through roles before becoming principal. Her tenure coincided with continued growth in Waldorf’s student enrollment and strengthened community partnerships.
Hawkins steps into the role during a period of ongoing focus on student achievement, teacher retention and safe learning environments across Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. Local educators often move within the system to bring fresh perspectives while preserving institutional knowledge.
Charles County Public Schools has announced several administrative appointments in recent years to meet evolving needs. The district continues recruiting and developing leaders who understand the unique mix of suburban growth and rural character in Southern Maryland. Schools like Dr. Brown serve families from military, civilian and agricultural backgrounds, requiring principals skilled in building inclusive communities.
Parents and staff expressed support for the smooth transition. The appointment ensures continuity as students finish the current year and prepare for fall. School leadership plays a key role in test scores, attendance and overall climate at the elementary level, where foundational skills shape long-term success.
Residents in Waldorf and nearby communities can expect the new principal to maintain high standards at Dr. Gustavus Brown. The school’s location near University Drive places it amid residential neighborhoods and convenient to major routes, making accessibility a strength for working families.
This leadership change reflects broader patterns in Southern Maryland education. Districts work to promote from within while drawing on regional talent to keep pace with population growth and changing student needs. As summer approaches, Dr. Brown families will meet their new principal and prepare for another year of learning.
