MCPS announced in its weekly update that Dr. Josh Fine, principal of Flower Hill Elementary School in Gaithersburg, has been named Maryland’s National Distinguished Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals.
The recognition follows a standout 2025 for Fine, who was also named Principal of the Year by The Washington Post and received MCPS’ Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award. That award is presented annually to an administrator who demonstrates exceptional leadership in advancing academic achievement, strengthening relationships, and building meaningful community connections.
He began his career as a middle school social studies and ESOL teacher and has held multiple leadership roles across elementary and secondary schools. Fine holds degrees from American University, Brown University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Since becoming principal in 2020, Fine has led a transformation at Flower Hill, particularly in early literacy. According to MCPS, after opting into a structured literacy pilot program for kindergarten through second grade in 2021, the school saw measurable gains across multiple student groups. Within two years, first grade literacy proficiency increased by 32 percent and second grade by 11 percent, according to DIBELS assessment data.
Growth was especially notable among Emerging Multilingual Learners, where proficiency rose by 25 percent, along with gains of 23 percent for Hispanic students and 24 percent for students with disabilities. School leaders credit consistent data-driven collaboration between teachers and administration as a key factor behind the improvements.
MCPS has also shared that beyond academics, Flower Hill has seen broad improvements in school culture and engagement. A focus on social-emotional learning and building a sense of belonging contributed to a more than 50 percent reduction in out-of-school suspensions and an 11.6 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism. Expanded opportunities for family involvement, including additional open houses, spring conferences, and monthly engagement events, resulted in 97 percent of parents reporting a sense of belonging at the school.
Fine has also prioritized staff support and leadership development, helping the school achieve an 88 percent teacher retention rate. Initiatives such as staff-led professional development, new leadership roles, and collaborative planning across disciplines have strengthened both instruction and morale.
Known for his hands-on leadership style, Fine is a constant presence throughout the school, often greeting students in the bus loop, visiting classrooms, and attending PTA events. He also holds regular student town halls and maintains an open-door approach with families and staff.
