Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.com
Montgomery County Public Schools has a new school superintendent.
He is Dr. Kelly Guempel, who currently serves as the Chief of Schools for Spotsylvania County Public Schools. The school board officially approved Guempel this past week.
“I am honored to join Montgomery County Public Schools and to work alongside our teachers, staff, families, and community partners,” Guempel said. “MCPS students deserve schools where they feel safe, inspired, and prepared for whatever future they choose. I believe deeply in listening first, building trust, and working collaboratively to ensure every student has access to excellent instruction, meaningful opportunities, and strong support systems.”
Guempel’s career began as a classroom teacher, where he spent 11 years instructing Health & Physical Education in middle and high school settings. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he made significant contributions as a coach in various sports, including baseball, football, golf, wrestling, and strength training, instilling the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in his students.
For the past 18 years, Guempel has held an array of leadership positions, each reinforcing his passion for school improvement and educational opportunities. His administrative journey has included roles as an administrative intern, assistant principal, principal, chief academic officer, chief of schools, deputy superintendent, and interim superintendent.
Notably, he served as the Interim Superintendent for Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS) during two separate terms—first from July to November 2022, and again from January to July 2024.
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Guempel earned his Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education in 1995, followed by a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision in 2006. He further advanced his educational leadership credentials with an Education Specialist degree in Central Office Leadership from the American College of Education, and he completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.
His career is marked by notable achievements and a profound impact on student achievement. As principal of Orange County High School, he led a transformation that elevated Standards of Learning (SOL) scores from below-average to the highest in the region.
“Throughout my career, my goal has been simple: to create schools where students are excited to walk through the doors each morning, where teachers are valued and validated for their expertise, and every child and the staff knows they matter,” Guempel said.
He also spearheaded the development of four new Career & Technical Education programs and successfully halved the school’s suspension rates. His leadership has earned numerous accolades, including six District Coach of the Year awards for his tenure as Head Wrestling Coach at Hermitage High School, recognition as a Friend of DECA at the 2019 state conference, and being named the Virginia High School Principal of the Year in 2019 by the Virginia SCA.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Kelly Guempel join us in Montgomery County,” MCPS School Board Chair Laura Purcell said. “He brings a wealth of experience and immense enthusiasm to build on our strengths and address our challenges. We are so fortunate to have amazing public schools in Montgomery County, and I am excited about what the future holds for our students.”
Guempel will begin his new position on Feb. 1, 2026.
