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…