April 22, 2022 - During a special meeting on April 5, 2022, the School Board of the City of Manassas named Michele Hupman as the new principal of Weems Elementary School. She will begin her new role July 1, 2022.

Hupman will be replacing current principal Dr. Zella Jones, who will be retiring at the end of the school year having served Manassas City Public Schools for 40 years.

Hupman joins Manassas City Public Schools via neighboring Prince William County Public Schools. Most recently, she has been serving as assistant principal of Kilby Elementary School.

“Ms. Hupman’s experience in the classroom and as an administrator has prepared her to serve our Weems students and their families,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman. “We look forward to partnering with her to support student achievement at Weems.”

She said her vision is “to build achievement for all learners. All students have a right to a great public school that prepares them – both academically and socially—for a bright future.” 

Hupman has more than 15 years of experience in public education and has served in a variety of positions, including teaching assistant, teacher, administrative intern and summer school principal.

She attended Old Dominion University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a master’s degree in Elementary Education. Hupman also holds postgraduate professional licenses in administration and supervision, elementary education and English as a Second Language.

As assistant principal, Hupman has provided instructional leadership, improved parent engagement and implemented both academic and behavioral programs to help students excel. She is a strong proponent of using data to guide instructional decisions and monitor student achievement.

At Kilby Elementary School, she led the execution of a new Language Arts instructional model that has increased the number of students reading at or above grade level. Hupman has also implemented a Collaborative Learning Team process for staff that has improved instruction and academic achievement.

Hupman said she is dedicated to both instructional excellence and believes in coaching and supporting staff to better serve students. She also believes in engaging with parents and other stakeholders and building a positive school culture where students feel safe, valued and supported.

Weems Elementary School is one of five elementary schools in Manassas City. The school serves approximately 630 students in grades preschool through fourth. In the 2013-2014 school year, Weems became a Talents and Gifts (TAG) themed school with more than 30 student electives to help students explore their talents and gifts.