Courtesy AACPS
Annapolis, MD - Kim Jakovics, principal of Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, today was named the recipient of the 2025-2026 George Arlotto Leadership Award and will represent Anne Arundel County Public Schools in The Washington Post Principal of the Year program in early 2026.
Jakovics learned of the news this morning during a surprise visit at the school by Board of Education President Gloria Dent, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell, and Education Foundation of AACPS Vice President Vic Samuels. She was visiting students in a classroom when the trio walked in to make the announcement.
“I just feel very humbled,” Jakovics said moments after learning of the award. “There are so many amazing leaders in our district who do great work, collaborate, who have high expectations and fight for what is right. To be the person that has been acknowledged is really humbling. There are so many people I've learned from, and that I work with, who I think are equally amazingly deserving of this acknowledgement.”
The AACPS Principal of the Year program began in 2021-22 at the urging of then-Superintendent George Arlotto with support from the Education Foundation, which sought to recognize outstanding principals in the county as is done in the annual Teacher of the Year program, which is now in its 40th year. The Foundation formally named the award in honor of Dr. Arlotto, who served AACPS for 16 years, including eight as Superintendent, in June 2022.
Other finalists for this year’s award were Jessica Alvear of Ridgeway Elementary School, Cheryl Ann Cox of Walter S. Mills-Parole Elementary School, Ryan Durr of Meade High School and Jed Kling of Windsor Farm Elementary School.
Jakovics has served as principal of Monarch Academy since 2018. She began her career with Anne Arundel County Public Schools in 1997 as a social studies teacher at the Mary Moss Academy and has worked across all secondary instructional levels throughout her career. Her administrative experience includes serving as assistant principal at Corkran Middle School for four years before being appointed principal at Monarch Academy.
“Kim’s creative leadership shines in how she advances equity in learning opportunities,” said Assistant Superintendent for Educational Options and School Climate Pat Crain, who supervises Jakovics. “She meticulously designs and implements equity-focused goals in the school’s School Improvement Plan to address the achievement gap for students with IEPs and 504 plans, using data-informed strategies to drive equitable access.”
One parent of a Monarch student shared this sentiment in a nomination letter: “We trust Principal Kim to celebrate our kids’ wins – both in school and beyond – and always welcome us when challenges arise. Her balanced leadership fosters a community where every student feels valued and heard.”
To be eligible for the award, principals must have at least five years of experience and be in at least their second year at their school. Nominees must also demonstrate excellence in the following areas: Leadership Philosophy and Communication & School Culture.
One Monarch staff member wrote of Jakovics: “She believes everyone – students, staff, parents, community – deserves a voice. She advances goals with both integrity and care, always keeping students’ needs at heart.”
The Education Foundation will honor Jakovics and the four finalists at the 40th Annual Excellence in Education Awards Event on Friday, April 24, 2026. The event will also include the announcement of the 2026 Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
Information about tickets to this event will be available in the coming months.
Questions about the Principal of the Year program should be directed to Jenn Lombardi at jlombardi@aacps.org. Questions about the Excellence in Education event or the Education Foundation of AACPS should be directed to Joe Callahan at jfcallahan@aacps.org.
