Debra Bowling, Principal of Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, has been selected as St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ recipient of The Washington Post’s Distinguished Educational Leadership Award.
The Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award exists to recognize those principals who go beyond the daily challenges of their position to create an exceptional educational environment.
“Ms. Bowling is an outstanding career educator, dedicated to providing exceptional learning opportunities for our students, “said Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Superintendent of Schools. “She is respected and admired by the students, staff and community.”
Bowling taught in several capacities in the Charles County Public School system as a Reading Resource Teacher, Math Teacher, Curriculum Consultant/Writer, Elementary Teacher and numerous other positions from 1983 until 2003 when she joined St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) as Principal at Oakville Elementary School.
Debra Bowling earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with Administrative Certification from the University of Maryland.
“Mrs. Bowling is a career educator and is currently in her second principalship at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, an elementary school with a regionalized special education program,” wrote Kelly Hall, Executive Director of Elementary Schools & Title I. “As the principal of Benjamin Banneker, Mrs. Bowling has fostered a positive climate and excellent reputation for the school within our community.”
On May 7, 2013, The Washington Post will present the award to Bowling and the other principals representing public school systems in Maryland, Virginia, and The District of Columbia, as well as private school principals in the Washington metropolitan area.
