Farewell To The Leader of The Bengal Pack

In an email sent to parents and staff on May 22nd, our principal Mrs. Snead announced that she is departing Blake and will be the next principal of North Bethesda Middle School starting July 1st. Mrs. Snead expressed how being the principal of Blake has been “one of the greatest honors of” her career. This surprising news is bittersweet, as Mrs. Snead’s departure is a loss for Blake, but also a well deserved congratulations should be given to her as recognition for all the hard work and dedication she’s put into Blake. 

Mrs. Shanay Snead, who served as the 9th grade administrator during the 2021-2022 school year and principal-in-training, was preparing to step into the principal role with confidence and heart. In addition to her training, she also took on the responsibilities of former administrator Ms. Koch. She continued to guide the 9th grade class. Later on, during the 2022-2023 school year, she began shadowing former principal, Mr. Sinclair. 

Mrs. Snead has not only shown how she is not only an active principal, but also a problem solver.  She’s worked towards combating attendance issues and emergency situations since 

Mrs. Snead made it a priority to stay involved in every part of school life from dropping into classrooms and supporting staff to attending events and building relationships with families. Despite her strong start, her first year came with challenges. 

The start of the 2023-2024 school year began with a chaotic first day, overcrowded hallways due to a large freshman class, and ongoing issues with students skipping class which was one of the biggest problems she took on.

Mrs. Snead valued relationships above all. She aimed to be a visible and intentional presence, supporting students and staff wherever the need was greatest.

When being asked to walk us through the process from when the idea of working at Bethesda Middle School first presented itself, Mrs. Snead explained that when a position opens, applicants are reviewed and a panel interview selects a few candidates to move forward. Executive staff then conduct further interviews and choose a finalist, whose name is submitted to the school board for approval. At a public board meeting, members vote in front of the candidate, and if the majority agrees, the appointment becomes official.

Mrs. Snead also described that the total selection process took “a couple of months, a couple of months. What takes long is like being all of the research that has to go into them, vetting the candidates and the interviews and all of that. It’s a timely process, but it could be even longer.”

While answering about her greatest accomplishments at Blake, Mrs. Snead highlighted her focus on building school pride by being present, engaged, and creating meaningful events that brought students, staff, and families together. She made improvements in both school culture and physical spaces, like revamping the weight room and updating lunch procedures (allowing food delivery). She emphasized the importance of student-centered instruction and encouraged teachers to build strong connections with students. Leaving was a difficult decision for her, as she developed a deep love for the school community. Professionally, she is transitioning to middle school to better understand students’ experiences before high school and hopes to return to high school in the future.

Lastly, Mrs. Snead shared she’s currently focused on graduation and making sure every senior crosses the stage, recognizing it as a powerful and memorable milestone. She’s excited for June 11, a day that celebrates both the students’ achievements and the teachers who helped them along the way. She’s also looking forward to Spring Fest as a fun event that brings the community together. As she moves into her next role, she’s eager to be challenged in new ways by working in middle school, where she hopes to continue growing as a leader. She recognizes that after years in high school, it’s easy to get too comfortable, and she wants to stay motivated and inspired. Additionally, she hopes this transition brings more work-life balance, giving her more time with her family, who have missed her presence.

When asked how they felt about Ms. Snead’s departure, Blake teachers and staff expressed a deep sense of gratitude and loss.

Mrs. Healy, who teaches AP English Language and 9th grade English, shared a heartfelt sentiment: “I am sad that Mrs. Snead is leaving because I know that she was good for Blake; I agreed with her message of ‘leveling up’ here for staff, students, and our community. I know she is going to do so well in her new school, but I genuinely will miss her smile around Blake.” 

Similarly, Mr. Gibbons emphasized the impact she made during her time at the school, saying, “Ms. Snead made a positive impact at Blake. She cares for the students and worked to make the school a welcoming place, as the success of the Springfest shows.” 

Mr. Edwards also noted the professional and personal balance she brought to the workplace, reflecting, “I will miss working with Ms. Snead. Working with her was a good balance of hard work and fun.” 

Ms. Kim echoed the community’s surprise and admiration, stating, “I was shocked and saddened to hear that Ms. Snead was leaving. Her next school will be lucky to have her positive energy and commitment to the students.” 

Mrs. Boehlert, who worked closely with Ms. Snead during her time as the Math RT, recalled, “Ms. Snead brought positive energy with her when she came to Blake. She is always positive and supportive. She is a strong leader who handles even the hardest conversations with honesty and grace. I know Blake’s loss is North Bethesda Middle School’s gain.”

Mrs. Snead’s time at Blake has left a lasting impact on students, staff, and families alike. Her leadership was marked by visibility, compassion, and a genuine commitment to building a stronger school community. Though her departure is a significant change, it reflects her desire to grow and make a difference in a new environment. As she steps into her new role at North Bethesda Middle School, she leaves behind a legacy of care, connection, and school pride. Blake will deeply miss her presence, but we wish her the very best in this next chapter of her journey.