The School Board named Kimberley Graves the new Principal of Drew Model School at last night’s meeting. Graves is currently the Principal of Hoffman-Boston Elementary School.

“Kim is a passionate, thoughtful, and collaborative leader. She truly demonstrates the belief and leadership practices that all children can learn,” said Superintendent Dr. Pat Murphy. “She strongly believes in community and family partnerships that lead to increasing student engagement, and meeting the needs of the whole child.”

Graves brings 20 years of experience as an educator and instructional leader to Drew. She has served as a high school social studies teacher, middle school assistant principal, high school executive associate principal, and for the last 10 years an elementary school principal. Since 2012, she has served as principal of Hoffman-Boston. Under her leadership, she has brought high-quality instructional programs and practices to Hoffman-Boston, which has led to the school receiving the Virginia Distinguished Award of Excellence for the first time in the school’s history.

“Kim is well-known in her community and among colleagues as a student-centered leader who is willing to ‘roll up’ her sleeves and do the work she asks of others. She is fair and consistent, but most importantly she believes in community and relationships,” said Murphy.

Beginning July 1, 2018, Drew Model School will enter its final year as a combined neighborhood and countywide elementary Montessori school that serves both the nearby Nauck community as well as Arlington residents across the county. During the 2018-19 school year, the Montessori program will move to the facility at the Patrick Henry site. Drew will begin the first phase of transitioning from its current hybrid design to solely a neighborhood elementary school in the 2019-20 school year serving the South Arlington community.

Graves holds a Bachelor of Arts in government from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from George Mason University. She also holds certification in K-12 supervision and administration and in social studies.

Her appointment with Drew will begin on July 1.