August 26th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Allegany County Public Schools Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Martirano, announced central office appointments made by the Board of Education for the 2025-2026 academic school year.

The Board appointed Mrs. Katherine Loughrie as Chief Academic Officer. Mrs. Loughrie holds a Master’s of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science, and has also completed additional coursework to earn her Administrator Endorsement. Mrs. Loughrie brings with her over two decades of experience in education. Now entering her 21st year with the district, Mrs. Loughrie has taught at Fort Hill High School, served as assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High School and most recently held the position of Supervisor of Secondary Social Studies, Professional Learning, and Teacher Induction. “I am honored and incredibly excited to step into the role of Chief Academic Officer for Allegany County Public Schools,” says Mrs. Loughrie. “This position allows me to support all students, educators, and staff across the district in meaningful and impactful ways. I look forward to working collaboratively to ensure every student has access to high-quality learning experiences.”

Dr. Wendy Main has been appointed as Director of Special Education and Student Services. Dr. Main holds a Doctorate of Education Degree in Distance Learning, a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.

Dr. Main has been with ACPS for the last 30 years. Over the years she has held positions such as Behavior Specialist, Special Education Facilitator, Special Education Assistant Supervisor, and most recently Special Education Supervisor, and Blueprint Implementation Coordinator. “I would like to extend my appreciation to my family, my colleagues, the special education teachers and support staff, and the students and families that contributed to my journey in the ACPS system,” says Dr. Main. “I have been fortunate to work with students with disabilities and their families and bear witness to each students’ journey and accomplishments as they grow into contributing members of our community. May we all continue to work in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation to allow every student to reach their highest potential.”

Dr. Kendra Kenney has been appointed as Supervisor of Special Education. Dr. Kenney earned a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, a master’s degree in Reading, as well as one inEducation Administration and Supervision, and a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences / Secondary Education, with a certification in Special Education. Dr. Kenney has worked within the district for the last 29 years. During her time at ACPS, she has served as a special education teacher, Assistant Principal, and most recently Principal of Washington Middle School. “During my career I have had the privilege of working with amazing students and staff,” says Dr. Kenney. “I look forward to new opportunities to continue helping students achieve successful educations as the Supervisor of Special Education in ACPS.”

Mr. Ethan DeVore has been appointed as Supervisor of Social Studies and Professional Development. Mr. DeVore holds a masters degree in Administration and Supervision, as well as a bachelors degree from Frostburg State University, where he is also currently part of the 2025 Ed.D. cohort. Mr. DeVore has been with ACPS for almost 20 years, where he has taught social studies, and held administrative positions at Eckhart and most recently Fort Hill High School. “It is a privilege and an honor to serve as the Supervisor of Social Studies and Professional Learning, a role that allows me to unite my lifelong passion for education with my commitment to strengthening our community,” says DeVore. “I believe that when we invest in teachers’ growth, we empower them to inspire students to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute positively to society. My goal is to support educators in ways that not only elevate instruction, but also build a culture of collaboration and continuous learning that benefits both our schools and the broader community.”

Mr. Scott Bauer has been named Principal of Allegany High School. Mr. Bauer earned his bachelor’s degree from Frostburg University, as well as a master’s in Administration and Supervision and also a Master’s degree in Special Education. Mr. Bauer has been with ACPS for thirty years. During that time he has been a special education teacher, and Assistant Principal at both Washington Middle School and Fort Hill High School. “I am deeply honored to return to Allegany High School as Principal, a role that holds special significance for me after spending over 20 years as a teacher and coach here,” said Bauer. “As a former Allegany student myself, Allegany High School was a place where teachers and coaches shaped me as a young adult. It is with great enthusiasm that I embrace the opportunity to represent our community and guide the next generation of students at Allegany High School.”

Mr. Charles Moran has been named Principal of Washington Middle School. Mr. Moran began his career with ACPS in 2002. Over the years, he has served in a variety of educational and leadershiproles, including County Math Specialist at the elementary level and Assistant Principal at several schools throughout the district. He most recently served as Acting Principal at Allegany High School. "I am honored to join the Washington Middle School community and look forward to working collaboratively with students, staff, and families to create a supportive environment focused on academic growth and student success," says Moran.

Mr. Nicholas Amick has been named Coordinator of Alternative Education (AP) Restart. Mr. Amick holds a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Frostburg State University. He has worked at ACPS for the last 15 years and was named Allegany County Teacher of the Year 2021-2022.

Ms. Moriah Cohen has been appointed as the Assistant Principal of Allegany High School. She holds a Masters of Education in School Counseling and School Administration and Supervision from Frostburg State University. She has worked as a school counselor and most recently Assistant Principal of Braddock Middle School.

Mrs. Katherine Godfrey has been named Assistant Principal at Cresaptown Elementary School. Mrs. Godfrey holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education both from Frostburg State University, as well as Administration 1 and 2 Certification. She has been a teacher at Cresaptown Elementary for the last seven years.

Mr. Trenton Eirich has been appointed as Assistant Principal at George’s Creek Elementary School. Mr. Eirich holds a bachelor’s degree in Education, as well as a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and one in administration. He has been a part of ACPS for the last three years.

Mr. Shaun Lewis has been named Assistant Principal at Washington Middle School. Mr. Lewis holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Towson University and a masters degree and Administrative Certification from Frostburg State University. During his 20 years with ACPS, he taught science at numerous schools, and most recently served as the AP Coordinator of the RESTART Program at Eckhart School.

Ms. Bonnie Rowley has been appointed as the Assistant Principal at West Side Elementary School. Ms. Rowley has worked for ACPS for the last 36 years. She has served as a teacher, Professional Development Site Coordinator, and Assistant Principal.

Dr. Joseph Thompson has been named Assistant Principal at Braddock Middle School. Dr. Thompson earned his Associate of Arts degree from Potomac State College, Bachelor of Arts degree from Alderson Broaddus College, Masters of Education, and Doctor of Education in Education Leadership from Frostburg State University. He has taught music in his tenure with ACPS, and spent the last 20 years as the Director of the Fort Hill Orchestra and Band programs.

Mr. John Wade has been appointed as the Assistant Principal at Fort Hill High School. Mr. Wade earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education, both from Frostburg State University. He has been employed by ACPS for the last 25 years, as a teacher and most recently the Assistant Principal at Washington Middle School.

Dr. Brian McKinley has been appointed as Assistant Principal at Fort Hill High School. Dr. McKinley holds a bachelors degree, a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a doctoral degree in Higher Education and Adult Leadership from Frostburg State University. He has worked for ACPS for 25 years as a mathematics teacher and most recently as a Pupil Personnel Worker.