Allegany County Public Schools has announced principal staffing updates for the 2024-2025 school year. These updates include the appointment of new principals: Josh Cook - Acting Principal, Bel Air Elementary; Tim Farrell, Flintstone Elementary; and Bill Dwyer, Frost Elementary.

Cook earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and Master of Education in Administration and Supervision, Special Education, and Interdisciplinary Studies from Frostburg State University. He began his career with ACPS in 2003, was named the 2010-2011 ACPS Teacher of the Year, and was most recently the Assistant Principal at Westmar Middle School.

“I am thrilled to be named the new principal at Bel Air Elementary School. I am thankful for the opportunity to lead and serve the students, families, staff, and entire school community,” said Cook. “To be chosen as their next principal is a true honor. I look forward to collaborating with all the stakeholders to build upon the excellence already established at Bel Air.”

Farrell began his teaching career in 1998 as an elementary school teacher. He has been an assistant principal in the ACPS system for the last 10 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and his master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Frostburg State University.

“I look forward to working with the students, parents and staff of Flintstone Elementary School,” says Farrell. “I’m excited to be a member of this learning community and committed to maintaining a school culture that strives to support all students, as they reach their full potential.”

Dwyer began his teaching career in 2000 as a special education and reading intervention teacher in Florida. Since 2006, Dwyer has served as both an assistant principal and principal in Florida, Maryland, South Carolina, and West Virginia. He most recently served as the assistant principal at Cash Valley Elementary School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

“I am excited and humbled to receive the opportunity to serve the Frost Elementary School community. I will continue to support the strong academic effort of the students, parents, and faculty of Frost Elementary,” said Dwyer. “I would also like to express my gratitude to the families and faculty of Cash Valley Elementary for granting me the opportunity to start my career in Allegany County. The last 3 years have been an enriching experience.”

Other principal staffing changes include Scott Sisler, Misty Dotson, Shannon Ralston, and Tessa Fairall, who were most recently principals at other school locations.

Scott Sisler has been with ACPS for 28 years. Sisler will be transitioning into the principal positon at Cash Valley Elementary School. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with the Cash Valley School community and continuing achievement and growth for both teachers and students.”

Misty Dotson began her career with ACPS 22 years ago and has been named principal at Northeast Elementary School. “I am so excited to get back to my roots at Northeast Elementary. I began my teaching career at Northeast, teaching reading intervention in kindergarten through fifth grades, and continued as a fourth and fifth grade teacher. I look forward to reestablishing relationships in the Northeast community, as the principal, so many years later.”

Shannon Ralston has been with ACPS since 1992 and will now be principal of Beall Elementary School. “It is with great honor and excitement that I bring my educational leadership to Beall Elementary. I am looking forward to working with staff and families to ensure student success socially, emotionally, and academically.”

Tessa Fairall has been with ACPS for the last 24 years and will now be principal at South Penn Elementary School. “I started my career in ACPS at South Penn and I’m happy to be coming back as their principal.”