This fall, another Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) principal will join the ranks of those named as best educational leaders in the Washington area.

In an annual program sponsored by The Washington Post, one principal from each school district in the Washington metropolitan area will be selected to receive a Distinguished Educational Leadership Award. Nominations may be made by teachers, students, former students, administrators, and the public.

Nominees must be current MCPS principals with a minimum of five years¡¦ experience as a principal and at least three of those years in MCPS. They must manage effectively; demonstrate and encourage creativity and innovation; foster cooperation between school and community; maintain a continuing dialogue with students, parents and staff; keep abreast of developments in the field of education; encourage team spirit; demonstrate leadership and commitment; continue to play a role in the classroom; and maintain their position as principal throughout the 2007-2008 school year.

Nomination materials must include:

- A minimum of two statements of support for the nominee, one by a professional educator.
- A career summary.
- A description of contributions the nominee has made in each of the nomination criteria.
- Two head-and-shoulders photographs.

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, September 29, to Frank SooHoo, community partnership specialist, Office of School Performance, Room 100, CESC. The winner will receive the award at a November 20 reception at The Washington Post. Anyone with questions may call Frank SooHoo at 301-279-3406.