Calvert County Schools Celebrates Six New Staff Members In Key Roles 

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — In their last meeting before the start of the 2026-27 school year, Calvert County’s Board of Education (BOE) approved six new appointments for roles across the district.

The new appointments are:

Erik Holm, Assistant Principal of Calvert Elementary: Holm currently serves as the dean of students at Plum Point Middle School and has worked as a special education lead teacher and classroom educator across all grade levels. Holm holds a master’s degree in educational administration and a Maryland certification in administration, social studies and special education.

Ryan Butler, Assistant Principal of Calvert High School: Butler was recommended for an 11-month position as the assistant principal at Calvert High. Dr. Susan Johnson, chief operations officer, highlighted Butler’s experience in educational leadership, school operations and secondary instruction. Butler currently serves as an administrative intern in Charles County Public Schools. Butler has taught high school math and has held several leadership positions. He holds a master’s in leadership and administration from Notre Dame of Maryland.

In his remarks following the appointment, Butler thanked Dr. Marcus Newsome and the BOE for “the opportunity to serve the community I was born and raised in.”

Kristen Morris, Assistant Principal of Mill Creek Middle School: Morris has over 20 years of experience in education and student services support. She currently serves as the dean of students at Mutual Elementary School. She previously worked as the student services team lead and spent 18 years as an elementary special educator. Morris has a master’s in leadership and teaching.

“My goal is simple,” Morris said upon accepting her appointment. “It is to make sure every student feels known, valued, and challenged, while working alongside the staff there. I’m grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to what we can accomplish.”

Krysten Sneade, Principal of Calvert County School: Sneade has “extensive experience” in special education, administration and elementary school operations. She currently serves as the assistant principal at Calvert Elementary and previously worked as the special education coordinator and adaptive physical educator in Prince George’s County Schools. She holds a master’s in special education with Administrator I and II certifications. Sneade is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership.

Sneade said she interned at Calvert County School in college, which sparked her love for special education.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to return to the school where my special education journey began,” Sneade said. “As principal, I look forward to partnering with our students, family, staff, and community to ensure every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.”

Dean Jones, Supervisor of School Safety: Jones has served as a safety advocate for Calvert County Public Schools and has extensive experience in school safety, emergency management and organizational leadership. Jones has held leadership positions with the police department, including executive assistant to the Bureau of Patrol and commander of the Officer Training Division.

Jones cited his safety beginnings as a 7-year-old safety patroller at Mount Harmony Elementary School and thanked the board for the opportunity that allowed his career to come “full circle.”

Brandi Taeschner, Supervisor of Special Education: Taeschner brings 28 years of educational experience with demonstrated leadership and instructional excellence. Taeschner currently serves as the instructional coach for Calvert County Public Schools and previously worked as an assistant principal, Title I lead teacher and elementary classroom teacher. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership and Administrator I and II certifications.

“Of the past 28 years I have had the privilege of working and collaborating with staff at every CCPS School,” Taeschner said. “As I begin this next chapter, I’m committed to leading with empathy, excellence, and equity while ensuring inclusive and supporting learning opportunities every day.”

The first day of school in Calvert County is Tuesday, Aug. 25.

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