Montgomery County Public Schools has announced the hiring of three new administrators.
Glen Chilcote has been hired as the next principal of Kipps Elementary School.
“Chilcote has served the Kipps Elementary community for more than 16 years as a teacher, instructional leader, administrator and mentor,” MCPS announced.
Chilcote was most recently interim principal of Kipps Elementary, while also leading the division’s PK-12 fine arts programs as administrator of fine arts.
MCPS has named Dominick McKee as the division’s next Director of Human Resources. McKee brings 23 years of experience in public education. He currently serves as chief human resources officer for Roanoke City Public Schools, where he oversees recruitment, staffing, employee relations, compensation, and professional learning. In addition to his human resources experience, McKee has been a principal, assistant principal, and school counselor.
Kelly Roark has been appointed the next principal of Gilbert Linkous Elementary School. With more than 25 years of experience in Montgomery County Public Schools, Roark currently serves as assistant principal at Auburn High School and previously served as principal of both Price’s Fork Elementary School and Christiansburg Elementary School.
Chilcote was named Montgomery County Teacher of the Year in 2014 and received the McGlothlin Award for Teaching Excellence in 2017.
“In addition to serving as interim principal, he spent more than a decade as principal’s designee and acting principal, supporting school operations, staff supervision, family communication, instructional leadership, and school improvement efforts,” according to MCPS. “As administrator of fine arts, Chilcote oversees PK-12 fine arts programs across the division, supports more than 50 educators, leads curriculum development efforts, and works with community organizations and higher education partners to strengthen student programs.”
He holds an endorsement in administration and supervision from Radford University, a master’s degree in education from Virginia Tech, and a bachelor’s degree in music education from West Virginia University.
“Glen has built strong relationships with students, families, and staff throughout his years of service at Kipps,” said Superintendent Dr. Kelly Guempel. “His experience, leadership, and commitment to the school community make him well prepared to lead Kipps Elementary School into the future.”
“I am thrilled to be coming home to Kipps,” Chilcote said. “After many wonderful years as a teacher and leader in this community, I am honored to serve as the next principal of Kipps Elementary. I look forward to continuing our path of excellence, expanding opportunities for students, and making lasting memories with our Roos for years to come!”
McKee currently serves as chief human resources officer for Roanoke City Public Schools, where he oversees recruitment, staffing, employee relations, compensation, and professional learning. In addition to his human resources experience, McKee has been a principal, assistant principal and school counselor. Before his current role, McKee served as assistant director of human resources for Montgomery County Public Schools from 2019 to 2021.
“Dominick knows Montgomery County Public Schools and understands the important role our employees play in supporting students,” said Guempel. “His experience in both human resources and school leadership will serve our division well, and we are excited to welcome him back to MCPS.”
McKee holds a master’s degree in counseling and human development and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, both from Radford University. He also earned an administration and educational leadership endorsement from the university and is currently pursuing a doctor of education degree through the American College of Education.
“I am honored to join Montgomery County Public Schools as Director of Human Resources and to work alongside our division staff, administrators, professional and classified staff, families, and community partners,” he said. “Our employees play a vital role in supporting student success, and I look forward to working collaboratively to recruit, retain, and support a strong team across the division. I believe in listening first, building trust, and ensuring every employee feels valued and supported in their work. Together, we will continue to build a positive environment where staff feel valued and students are prepared to succeed.”
According to MCOS Roark “has led school improvement efforts, supported instructional growth and worked closely with educators to enhance student learning. As a principal and assistant principal, she has overseen staff evaluations, school improvement planning, student support services, testing programs, and family engagement initiatives. She also led Price’s Fork Elementary School through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the reopening of schools. Most recently at Auburn High School, Roark served as assistant principal and instructional leader, overseeing teacher evaluations, coordinating testing programs, supporting student services, and working collaboratively with staff, students, and families to promote student success.”
“Kelly has spent more than two decades serving Montgomery County Public Schools in a variety of leadership roles,” said Guempel. “She has successfully led two elementary schools, supported students and staff at the high school level, and built strong relationships throughout our division. Her experience and collaborative approach will serve the Gilbert Linkous community well.”
“I am honored to serve as the next principal of Gilbert Linkous Elementary School,” Roark said. “As I begin my 20th year as a school administrator, I hope to bring a positive, responsive, and collaborative approach to the staff, students, and families of this learning community. I am excited and ready to join the staff and students as a Linkous Lizard.”
Roark holds an endorsement in educational leadership and supervision, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Radford University.
All three will begin their new roles July 1, 2026.