Kimberly Dolch, principal of North Carroll High School, has been named the Maryland High School Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals.
Dolch, who has been principal at North Carroll since 2005, began her career in Carroll County Public Schools in 1998.
The awards materials notes that during her tenure at North Carroll, Dolch's motto for the school has been "Whatever It Takes."
"The relationships she builds with students cause them to feel a sense of security and trust," said Sherri-Le Bream, director of high schools for CCPS. "That kind of climate in a building is not built on words, it is built on actions."
A release from the school system credits Dolch with winning the "admiration and respect of the community by demonstrating genuine concern for the success of students, the opinions of staff and through communication with parents. She believes that a successful school should focus on rigor, relevance and relationships.
"She placed a renewed focus on academics and is known to her students because she puts an emphasis on being visible and interactive," the school system statement said.
During her tenure, Dolch navigated the school through a big change with the opening of Manchester Valley High School, which split away many students who had been attending North Carroll.
The Principal of the Year program recognizes principals who have demonstrated personal excellence, collaborative leadership, personalization, and excellence in curriculum, instruction and assessment.
Dolch will now be Maryland's nominee for the National Principal of the Year.
