Superintendent Rebecca L. Perry announced the selection of Dr. Marcia Baldanza as the new principal of Jefferson-Houston School for Arts and Academics. Baldanza, now the principal of Patrick Henry Elementary School, will replace Jefferson-Houston's current principal, Glenda Washington, who has resigned effective June 30.
"Dr. Baldanza, who will lead the reconstitution of the Jefferson-Houston staff next year, has demonstrated her ability to improve academic achievement and create a nurturing learning environment for all students," said Perry. "Her work with the Patrick Henry community over the last five years gives me confidence that she will be equally successful in building a cohesive and supportive school community at Jefferson-Houston."
Baldanza brings seven years of experience as an elementary principal. She began her education career as a teacher in Irving, Texas, and Woodstock, Ga. She then served as an assistant principal in Marietta, Ga., from 1994-1996, and as a principal in Houston from 1996-1998. After one year in El Salvador as the director of the American School of El Savador, Baldanza moved to ACPS. She has been the principal of Patrick Henry Elementary School since 1999.
Baldanza holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University, a Master of Education degree from the University of North Texas, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Minnesota. In 2003, she received the Distinguished Educational Leadership Award from the Washington Post Educational Foundation.