A native of Delaware, Kelly (Nolan) Griffith always aspired to be a teacher and spent most of her life in Maryland. She attended Salisbury University for her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Master’s Degree in Education in 1983 and 1991 respectively, then secured her Doctorate Degree in Innovation and Leadership from Wilmington University in 2016.
Kelly taught for six years in four different states before starting her administrative roles in 1990. She has been an Assistant Principal, Principal in four schools, Director of School Improvement, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent for the past thirty-two years. This is her ninth year as Superintendent of Talbot County Public Schools and thirty-ninth year in education.
Past AASA Maryland Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2020 Maryland Superintendent of the Year: Daniel (Dan) Curry
About the Superintendent of the Year:
As a sponsor of the superintendent of the Year program, First Student wants to recognize these leaders in a special way this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption that has affected all education systems but also the innovative approaches that the superintendents and school districts addressed through radio, television, zoom and take-home packages. These superintendents are the very best in public education and are needed more than ever during this crisis.
About the Award:
The superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, The School superintendents Association, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State level winners are selected on the following criteria:
- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement