ROCK HALL — October is National Principals Month, and we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate our dedicated school leaders! Check back each day this week to get to know one of our principals.
CHESTERTOWN — Kris Hemstetter, who attended Kent County Public Schools, has been the principal of Kent County High School since the 2021-22 school year.
Her 22 years in education have all been spent with Kent County Public Schools. She started as an English language arts teacher at Galena Elementary School.
Her first administrative role was as a teacher in charge at the now-closed Worton Elementary School. She became principal of Worton Elementary School in 2016.
Prior to being named the high school’s principals, she was principal of Rock Hall Elementary School.
“Ms. Hemstetter exemplifies principal leadership in her passion and commitment for Kent County through her efforts to ensure students have access to a wide array of pathways supporting college and career readiness,” said Dr. Mary Boswell McComas, superintendent of Kent County Public Schools. “Her educational acumen has led the school to a superior graduation rate of 94.24% placing Kent County within the top five school systems in the state for graduation.”
What do you love about education?
Ms. Hemstetter: I am passionate about fostering positivity, promoting teamwork and encouraging growth in both students and staff. I focus on building strong relationships, supporting educators and ensuring that all students are prepared for career and college readiness. I also prioritize giving back to the community, engaging in service projects and using my voice to lead with a sense of purpose, aiming to do the next right thing.
What do you love about being a principal?
Ms. Hemstetter: As a principal, I love the opportunity to lead with intention and purpose, inspiring both students and staff. I value the chance to connect with my staff and students on a personal level, motivating them to exceed expectations and take pride in being a part of Kent County High School.
What do you love about your school?
Ms. Hemstetter: As a proud graduate and principal of KCHS, I love that our school not only fosters a strong sense of community but also leads the state with an impressive graduation rate. This speaks volumes about our commitment to excellence and the determination of our students. We consistently show high marks in high school writing, a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our educators who push students to excel and think critically. At KCHS, it's about preparing our students to be thoughtful, capable and ready for whatever path they choose. These achievements, combined with our Trojan pride, make me incredibly honored to call KCHS my home. KCHS is more than a school — it's a legacy and I am honored to be part of that story.
What do you love about being part of Kent County Public Schools?
Ms. Hemstetter: I love KCPS! Despite being the smallest district in Maryland, we are undeniably "small but mighty," and filled with heart! Our diversity and uniqueness define us in the best way, bringing together a vibrant mix of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that strengthen our community. There's an incredible sense of pride and belonging in knowing that each student and staff member plays a vital role in shaping who we are.
We are a close-knit family where every voice matters, and our ability to collaborate, innovate and support one another is unmatched. The personal connections we foster allow us to address individual needs while still pursuing excellence for all. In Kent County, we see challenges as opportunities for growth, and we embrace each other’s differences, using them as a foundation to build a stronger, more inclusive learning environment. This district may be small in numbers, but the spirit, determination, and passion that fill our schools make us unstoppable. Being part of Kent County Public Schools means being part of something greater — it's about making a real difference in the lives of students and the future of our community.
ROCK HALL — Gillian Spero has been the principal of Rock Hall Elementary School since 2020.
This is her 20th year as an educator, having started as an English teacher at her alma mater Kent County High School. She also worked in the now-closed Worton Elementary School and Kent County Public Schools’ Central Office.
“Ms. Spero is a relentless leader who ensures her students are supported academically as well as socially and emotionally,” said Dr. Mary Boswell McComas, superintendent of Kent County Public Schools. “She has created a culture that consistently examines their daily practices to ensure results are produced and our students are gaining in their capacity to reach his or her fullest potential.”
What do you love about education?
Ms. Spero: Education is always evolving. We learn new and better ways to teach all students and we get to collaborate with others and share on a daily basis. It is the most engaging and rewarding profession, as we get to see our hard work pay off by watching children grow, thrive and work toward goals and future success. Working with educators and students means no two days are ever the same, and the joy and excitement makes me want to come to work each day.
What do you love about being a principal?
Ms. Spero: In this position I feel that I can make a difference. I feel that when parents and staff have concerns, ideas, suggestions for improvement or ways that we can adjust to improve the school experience for everyone, that I can impact that change. I am energized by a strong community that loves Rock Hall Elementary School, a staff that is dedicated and hardworking and loves teaching and students who are responsible for their learning and behavior and grow as a result of that. Watching the progress is my favorite part of being a school leader.
What do you love about your school?
Ms. Spero: “RHES: Remarkable Hearts Empowering Students.” This phrase best sums up what it means to be a part of Rock Hall Elementary School. These hearts belong to the community members who support us in so many ways, the hearts of the parents who entrust their child's progress, health and overall success to us, the hearts of the staff who are committed and professional and utterly devoted to their students and, above all, the hearts of the students who come into this building ready to be a good friend, a good citizen and an engaged learner.
What do you love about being part of Kent County Public Schools?
Ms. Spero: Every day since 1992 (minus six years between 1999 and 2003 when I was away for college), I have entered the halls of a KCPS school building that was in session. I attended Chestertown Middle School and Kent County High School and worked at Worton Elementary School, Kent County High School, the Central Office, and now at Rock Hall Elementary School. I can attribute my academic and professional success to learning and growing as a result of the relationships and teaching of teachers, colleagues, coaches and school and district leaders. KCPS has afforded me opportunities to grow as a student, coach, teacher and leader. I have felt the support and compassion of so many people and I can't imagine ever working for any other district, which is why I never have. ??
GALENA — Becky Yoder has been the principal of Galena Elementary School since November 2021.
This is her 34th year as an educator. She started as a special education teacher in Pennsylvania in 1990 and joined Kent County Public Schools as a kindergarten teacher at Rock Hall Elementary School in 1996.
Prior to becoming principal of Galena Elementary School, she was the teacher specialist there, providing additional leadership and administrative support.
“Ms. Yoder is a leader who clearly centers her students and their needs in everything she does,” said Dr. Mary Boswell McComas, superintendent of Kent County Public Schools. “She inspires her faculty and staff to care deeply for our community and their children.”
What do you love about education?
Ms. Yoder: Watching students discover their potential and grow in confidence and knowledge is incredibly fulfilling. I am passionate about creating an environment where learning is exciting, challenges are embraced and every student feels supported. The relationships I build with students, families and colleagues are invaluable.
What do you love about being a principal?
Ms. Yoder: What I love about being a principal is the opportunity to build a positive and supportive learning environment for both students and staff. I also enjoy collaborating with staff and motivating them to continually enhance their teaching practices while fostering strong, supportive classroom communities. Building meaningful connections with families and the school community is incredibly rewarding, and I take pride in being able to guide the school toward success, one step at a time.
What do you love about your school?
Ms. Yoder: What I love about Galena Elementary School is the incredible people. The staff works tirelessly to create engaging, differentiated lessons that meet the needs of all students. The students bring enthusiasm to learning and building connections with both their peers and the staff. Lastly, the families continuously show their trust and support, making our school community truly special.
What do you love about being part of Kent County Public Schools?
Ms. Yoder: Over the past 28 years, Kent County Public Schools has truly become a part of my family. I spent 19 years at Rock Hall Elementary School, two years at Worton Elementary School (which closed in 2017) and now seven years at Galena Elementary School, which has given me the opportunity to connect with many families and colleagues. Being part of a small county has allowed me to grow both as an educator and into a leadership role. Every person I’ve met in Kent County has played a role in shaping the person and leader I am today.