MLK Principal Wins Mark Mann Award
Brandi K. Overton, principal at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, is this year’s winner of the Superintendent’s 2026 Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award, given for promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach. Overton has set a clear vision for excellence for all students and created an environment where risk-taking is encouraged. She is a kind and caring leader who has built extraordinary relationships with students, staff and the broader community.
Overton leads with the belief that every student deserves access to opportunity, excellence and a school community where they feel seen, valued and supported. She has built a culture grounded in high expectations, equity and meaningful relationships — what she proudly calls “The MLK Way.”
A native of Pittsburgh, Penn., Overton has dedicated 17 years to MCPS as a teacher, assistant school administrator, assistant principal, principal intern, acting principal and principal. Her leadership journey included service at Winston Churchill High School, Montgomery Blair High School and Robert Frost Middle School before becoming principal of King Middle School in 2023.
She has helped transform the school community by focusing on achievement, belonging and engagement. Under her leadership, the school improved from a Maryland State Department of Education two-star school to a three-star rating for the first time since 2019. She restructured the school’s instructional leadership model into D.R.E.A.M. Teams — focused on data-driven decision-making, relationships, equity and engagement, achievement and mindfulness — to align schoolwide efforts around continuous improvement.
Central to Overton’s philosophy is the belief that a strong academic environment requires safe, welcoming spaces where staff and students feel valued and connected. She developed innovative staff support structures, including “7,5,3” connection meetings (to discover seven personal facts, five professional goals and three ways to directly support them) and listening sessions to strengthen trust and collaboration. She also champions student voice through affinity groups, restorative practices and recognition programs, such as Panther Hearts office referrals and “On a Roll” awards to celebrate student effort and resilience.
Her commitment to community outreach has reshaped the school experience for students and families. She transformed the traditional back-to-school event into “Legacy Night,” a vibrant community celebration featuring family activities, resources and local partnerships. She also helped establish the school as the first middle school in the district to host an Upcounty Hub food distribution site and expanded programs celebrating student identity and culture, including Global Fest and MLK’s Got Talent.
Colleagues call Overton a visionary and compassionate leader who leads with calm, purpose and unwavering advocacy for students. Whether supporting families during times of hardship, mentoring staff members or expanding student opportunities, she consistently demonstrates that leadership rooted in care can transform an entire school community.