Minus sees new role as Sherwood principal as a big plus –

by Terri Hogan

Senior Staff Writer

Dr. Eric L. Minus is “always excited about any opportunity to impact the lives of young people.”

But taking over as principal of Sherwood High School, a school that has impressed him with its level of school spirit and community involvement, he said, offers a new level of excitement.

“In particular, I have a deep respect for the school administration, staff and parents who have been working in the community to maintain a level of excellence at Sherwood High School,” he said. “I am excited because I see a great opportunity to continue this work and to bring a level of expertise, passion and inclusivity as we take Sherwood High School to the next level and ensure that it is a place where every student is successful.”

The Montgomery County Board of Education on May 21 appointed Minus as the new principal of Sherwood, effective July 1.

Minus currently serves as the director of School Support and Improvement of Middle Schools in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Office of School Support and Improvement Experience.

“Now as a professional educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching and learning, I look forward to adding value to the Sherwood High School community as we look to move the school from excellent to extraordinary,” he said.

Minus began working for MCPS in 2001, serving as principal of John F. Kennedy High School, principal of Francis Scott Key Middle School, assistant principal of White Oak Middle School, and biology and physics teacher at Montgomery Blair High School.

He also served as the administrative director of middle schools for Howard County Public Schools.

Minus earned a doctorate in education, administration and policy studies from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., in 2010; a Master of Science in community health/long-term care administration from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., in 1997; and a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Hampton University in Hampton, Va., in 1994.

He will replace William Gregory, who announced several weeks ago that he would retire at the end of this school year.

Gregory is confident in passing the reins.

“I believe that Eric is a good choice for the community,” he said. “He is an instructional leader who is all about the relationships he develops with students, staff and community and the impact those relationships have on teaching and learning. He will do good work here.”

Gregory has served as Sherwood’s principal since 2006.

As for the decision to retire, Gregory said he just knew it was time.

“I love being a member of this community and being the principal of Sherwood High School,” he said. “I just realized that it was time for me to spend more time with my family, especially my mother, who lives in the Boston area. Retirement will give me more time to spend with her.”

Gregory said he is looking forward to spending time doing things he has not been able to do, such as spending time at his place in West Virginia.

Minus is expected to schedule a meet-and-greet soon in an effort to get to know the Sherwood community.