New Leadership Appointed to Manassas Schools

MANASSAS, Va. — The Manassas City School Board has announced the appointment of several new principals for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year.

David Rupert — Weems Elementary 

David Rupert, who serves as assistant principal at Baldwin Elementary will become principal Weems Elementary School effective July 1, 2013. He’s been at the school for one year.

“I am excited to return to the school and work with the

students, teachers, and the community”, said Rupert of his new position. A Pennsylvania native, Rupert holds a degree in Elementary Education from Clairion University, and a masters degree in supervision and leadership from California University of Pennsylvania, and has taught with Manassas City Public Schools since 2003 in both elementary and intermediate schools.

Cathy F. Brenner — Osbourn High School

Cathy F. Benner will become Osbourn High School’s new principal. Benner is currently the principal at Falls Church High

School where she has served since 2008 after a career in education dating back to 1979 in various positions including assistant superintendent for Culpeper County Public Schools and sub-school principal at Centreville High School in Clifton. Benner has also taught as an adjunct professor of School Finance and School Law at George Mason University.

“I believe some really wonderful things will happen in the coming year,” she said.

Benner’s own educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Richmond, master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction from George Mason University, and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Shenandoah University. Benner is currently in the doctoral program at Virginia Tech.

Kenneth Kratzer — Mayfield Intermediate School

Kenneth Kratzer has been named the new principal of Mayfield Intermediate School after serving as an assistant principal there since 2006. Kratzer has been with Manassas City Public Schools since 1991 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, and a master’s degree in education leadership from George Mason University, as well as holding several postgraduate licenses.

Kratzer will replace Principal Jeff Abt.

“We will build upon the successes that have been in place under Mr. Abt’s leadership to help Mayfield continue to move forward.”

Angela Burnet — Metz Middle School

Angela Burnett, currently the principal at Weems Elementary School, has been appointed to be the principal at Metz Middle School. Burnett has worked in the New York City and Manassas school districts and was recently recognized as one of eighteen principals in the Washington area who received the 2013 Distinguished Educational Leader award by the Washington Post.

Additionally, this spring, the Ellen DeGeneres Show and online photo-sharing site, Shutterfly, awarded a $50,000 check to Burnett on national television, to be used towards the school-wide uniform effort Weems hopes to implement in the near future.

Burnett has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Hampton University, a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision (K-12) from the College of New Rochelle, and a Virginia Post Graduate Certificate with endorsements in Elementary Education and Administration and Supervision.

Kara Mills — George C. Round Elementary School 

Kara Mills, the final appointment announced, will begin as principal at George C. Round Elementary School. Mills is currently the assistant principal at Jennie Dean Elementary, where she has worked since 2011.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with the staff, families, and students so we can accomplish great things”, said Mills. The administrator has experience as an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher, department supervisor, and broadcast journalist, having worked for ABC and CBS affiliates in Orlando, Fla.

In addition to her journalism degrees, Mills holds a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida, and teaching certifications in elementary education K-6, English 6-12, ESOL K-12, and Administration and supervision K-12. Mills is currently completing her doctorade in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the George Washington University.

Serving more than 7,300 students, Manassas City Public Schools’ mission is to provide an innovative, engaging, inspiring and challenging learning environment for all students.

*This story has been corrected.