April 11, 2023 – Juliet Finnegan, current principal of Baldwin Intermediate School, will transfer to serve as the new principal of Metz Middle School, starting on July 1. Finnegan has over 20 years of experience in the public school system, having served as a classroom teacher, dean, and assistant principal.
She began her teaching career in Fairfax County in 1999, teaching fifth grade and middle school math in both Fairfax and Loudoun counties. In 2016, she moved to an administrative role, serving first as a dean at Sterling Middle School and then as an assistant principal. In 2022, she was appointed principal at Baldwin Intermediate School.
Finnegan received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Virginia and is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership and curriculum and instruction from Liberty University. She is also certified in educational administration.
According to Craig Gfeller, Executive Director of Student Achievement, Finnegan is an experienced educator and a strong advocate for students, staff, and families. Her belief in collaborative and engaged learning environments for all is a testament to her commitment. During her time as an administrator, she has worked tirelessly to increase family engagement, inclusivity for special education students, and support for English language learners.
She has presented at conferences for the Virginia Middle School Association as well as the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals on topics such as equity, leadership and social and emotional learning (SEL).
Metz Middle School is the sole middle school in the City of Manassas and serves approximately 1,100 students in seventh and eighth grades.