Three Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff members were honored with the James E. Richmond Excellence in Leadership Award at the June 11 Board of Education meeting. Linda Gill, Ed.D., executive director of schools, Meighan Hungerford, director of elementary education, and Kathy Kiessling, director of student services, received this prestigious accolade. The award, established in 2013, recognizes CCPS staff members who demonstrate exceptional leadership and high standards of excellence.
The award is named after former Superintendent James E. Richmond, who dedicated his entire career to CCPS. It was initiated by former Board of Education Chairman Col. Donald M. Wade in honor of Richmond's retirement announcement in 2013 after serving four terms as superintendent. Richmond passed away on April 24, 2024.
Kathy Kiessling, center, was honored with the James E. Richmond Excellence in Leadership Award by the Board of Education at its June meeting. Kiessling, center, was the director of student service before retiring earlier this summer. She started her teaching career as a middle school social studies teacher.
Meighan Hungerford, director of elementary education, center, was recognized with the James E. Richmond Excellence in Leadership Award at the June Board meeting. Hungerford, who retired from the school system earlier this summer, comes from a family of educators.
The Board of Education honors Linda Gill, Ed.D., executive director of schools, at the June Board meeting, with the James E. Richmond Excellence in Leadership Award. Gill, center, who recently retired from Charles County Public Schools, began her career in education as a classroom teacher before becoming an administrator and then transitioning to the central office.
Linda Gill's Dedication to Education
Linda Gill began her career with CCPS in 1990 as a second-grade teacher at Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School. Reflecting on her early years, she said, "I loved being a classroom teacher." Gill's teaching approach involved playing games, singing songs, telling jokes, and solving puzzles to make learning enjoyable and effective.
Gill transitioned to administration in 1998, taking on roles such as assistant principal and principal at various schools before becoming the executive director of schools. Marvin Jones, Ed.D., chief of schools, remarked on their parallel careers and Gill's reliability. "Dr. Gill is clutch in the truest sense of the word. Meaning that whatever it is, she can be counted on to come through," he said.
Gill highlighted the demanding nature of educational work, mentioning that many educators work long hours, including weekends. Her family often supported her career, with her husband chaperoning field trips and her children helping with school tasks. Upon retirement, Gill plans to spend more time with her family, travel, and learn new things.
Meighan Hungerford's Family Legacy
Meighan Hungerford's passion for teaching runs in the family, with her grandmother, mother, and aunt all being educators. She began her career with CCPS in 1987 as a teacher at Wayside Elementary School. Hungerford's dedication to helping students understand challenging concepts brought her great joy. Her career spanned various roles, including reading resource teacher, instructional specialist, and director of elementary education.
Kevin Lowndes, chief of teaching and learning, praised Hungerford's extensive knowledge and support. "Mrs. Hungerford is a go-to person for Charles County Public Schools history. She knows everything about the county, and anytime I might fall into a pit hole, she always reminds me of the dangers ahead," he said.
Hungerford and her husband plan to relocate to Mount Pleasant, S.C., but she will miss the excitement of snow days in Charles County. She fondly recalled the anticipation and joy that snow forecasts brought to students and staff.
Kathy Kiessling's Compassionate Leadership
Kathy Kiessling originally studied political science with plans to attend law school but transitioned to teaching to align her schedule with her children's. She taught social studies before moving into administration, eventually becoming the director of student services.
Kiessling's favorite role was working closely with students and their families as an administrator. "I felt my biggest asset was in working with the more challenging students. I was able to form relationships with not only them but their families," she said.
As director of student services, Kiessling continued to support students and families, a role she found fulfilling. Mike Blanchard, Psy.D., CCPS supervising psychologist, described her leadership style as "compassionate and approachable."
Kiessling and her husband plan to travel and spend time with their family in retirement. She expressed her admiration for CCPS staff, saying, "At every school I have worked at and here at central office, there are amazing people who are so skilled and talented at their jobs and professions, and I respect them immensely."
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