Photo by Seyun Park

Principal Jennifer Baker poses for a photo with MCPS Superintendent Monifa McKnight during a January 2023 visit. Baker’s 12-year tenure as principal saw four county superintendents, hundreds of staff and thousands of students.

WJ Principal Jennifer Baker announced on Monday, Oct. 2 that she intends to retire Friday, Dec. 1 after serving nearly 12 years as principal.

Baker’s announcement came first to teachers through a staff meeting and later to students and parents through a community update sent out via Canvas.

“This decision did not come easily, but I think it is the right time for me and my family. Although I am sad, I am also filled with the most amazing memories that will forever be cherished,” Baker said in the message.

Baker started her teaching career at WJ, teaching math classes from 1995 to 2000. During her first years at WJ, Baker also coached the math team, poms and sponsored the SGA. Baker served as a math resource teacher and sixth-grade team leader at Earle B. Wood Middle School, a student support specialist at North Bethesda Middle School and assistant principal of Whitman High School. In 2007, she became principal of Tilden Middle School before being appointed WJ’s principal in 2011.

In the 12 years of Baker tenure, over 6,000 students have graduated from WJ. Baker helped WJ through numerous challenges including the Covid pandemic, a rise in hate incidents and most recently, fights between B-CC and WJ students.

Principal intern and current Assistant Principal Nicole Morgan will still take over as the principal as originally planned and announced this summer. Accordingly, the search for the next principal will begin soon.

“I leave knowing our school will be in good hands with our amazing administrators and staff who are here to support you through this transition. I cannot thank them enough for all that they do each day for the students,” Baker said.

The Pitch will continue to monitor this story and more information will be published as it becomes available.