Frederick County Public Schools announces several administrative appointments, most of which are effective July 1, 2023. Personnel appointments remain subject to change based on the evolving needs of the school system.
Director of School Administration and Instructional Leadership, Dr. Afie Mirshah-Nayar comes to FCPS from Montgomery County Public Schools where she currently serves as a high school principal. She has worked in the field of education for 23 years. During her career her focus has been on the education of high school students. Her professional experiences include both school-based and central office-based positions. Dr. Mirshah-Nayar served as principal of two Maryland schools, Largo High and Paint Branch High. In addition, she has served as the president of the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals. She earned a doctorate degree from the University of Maryland, a master's degree from American University, a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and an administrative certification from Hood College.
Dr. Katherine A. Gull has been appointed Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation effective May 18. This is a new leadership position. Most recently, Dr. Gull served as Supervisor of English Learners. In this position, Dr. Gull led a team of 146 English Learner staff members serving schools at the elementary and secondary levels, in addition to specialized programs. She has previously served as an achievement specialist and teacher specialist for English Learners and as an English Learner teacher.
Dr. Gull earned her doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership from Hood College, her master’s degree in teaching English Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Maryland, and her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Spanish from the University of Maryland. She also earned her Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Hood College.
 Dr. Afie Mirshah-Nayar Director of School Administration and Instructional Leadership |
 Dr. Katherine A. Gull Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation |
The following schools will have new assistant principals, effective July 1:
Ballenger Creek Elementary School, Candace King is promoted to the position of assistant principal. She currently serves as a resident assistant principal at BCES.
Centerville Elementary School, Erin Horman transfers from her position of Special Education Coordinator at Carroll Manor Elementary School.
Deer Crossing Elementary School, Jason Rubeling transfers from Brunswick Elementary School.
Frederick High School, Wendy Garvin has served as assistant principal at Winters Mill High School, in Carroll County.
Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, Ashley Fisher transfers from Urbana High School.
New Market Middle School, Michael Reeves has served, since 2022, as a resident assistant principal at both New Market Middle School and Brunswick Middle.
Oakdale Middle School, Brandy Brown currently serves as a behavioral health facilitator in the Fort Bend Independent School District in Sugar Land, Texas.
Sugarloaf Elementary School, David Migdal transfers from Middletown Elementary School.
Urbana High School, Dr. Linda Chambers transfers from FCPS Central Office.
Ida Davis has been at UHS since 1997, serving as a special education teacher.
Walkersville Elementary School, Shawn Miller has served as principal of Little Bennett Elementary School in Montgomery County since 2006.
Walkersville High School, Dr. Camille Bell transfers from the FCPS Central Office.
West Frederick Middle School, Dr. Christine Samuels – transfers from Frederick Classical Charter School where she served as acting principal.
The following schools will have resident assistant principals, effective July 1:
Butterfly Ridge Elementary School, Kristian McKnight has served as an elementary teacher for Prince George’s County Public Schools at Adelphi Elementary School.
Catoctin High School, Sarah Ryley is currently a special education teacher at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School.
Middletown High School, Andreanne Ivey has served as a social studies teacher at Walkersville High School since 2013.
Urbana Middle School, Alexander Reifer currently serves as acting assistant principal at West Frederick Middle School.