Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (B-CC) is undergoing a leadership transition as Principal Dr. Shelton Mooney has made the decision to step down and has accepted a new role within Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), according to a letter sent to the B-CC community. Dr. Mooney will be moving to James Hubert Blake High School to serve as an assistant principal, a change from an earlier communication that had placed him at Albert Einstein High School.
The announcement came in a letter to the B-CC community from Dr. Michael J. Zarchin, Director of the MCPS Division of School Leadership and Improvement. Dr. Zarchin expressed gratitude for Dr. Mooney’s six years of service and leadership at B-CC, wishing him well in his next chapter within the school system. Dr. Mooney became principal in 2019 and has overseen the school through various challenges, including significant community discussions regarding safety and a recent defamation lawsuit, that was covered by Bethesda Magazine.
In the interim, the school will see familiar and experienced leadership. Assistant Principal Mr. DeBerry Goodwin will temporarily step into the role of acting principal. Additionally, the B-CC community will welcome Mr. Kevin Yates, a respected and seasoned retired principal, who will also serve as acting principal, effective August 12, 2025. Yates brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as principal of Damascus High School and most recently as acting principal at Montgomery Blair High School. His leadership at Blair, where he was described as a community-focused and engaging figure, concluded earlier this month.
Dr. Zarchin emphasized that the well-being, academic growth, and comprehensive development of B-CC students remain the top priority, alongside continued support for staff and strong partnerships with families. Further information regarding the process for selecting B-CC’s next permanent principal will be shared with the community early in the school year.