History was made with a double surprise announcement when the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals recognized two outstanding administrators at O.L. Smith Middle School in Dearborn. Mark Rummel captured Middle School Principal of the Year and Maha Fayad won Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year in front of their colleagues, friends and families.
“We’ve never had the principal and assistant principal from the same school win this recognition in a single year,” MASSP Executive Director Wendy Zdeb said. “With the amazing things this duo has accomplished, it’s no wonder they’ve achieved this honor.”
With more than 46 years of experience in education between them, this team uses their combined 11 years in administrative roles to make a difference.
“Each and every day Principal Rummel and Assistant Principal Fayad provide leadership that inspires their team to create a culture of learning and success at O.L. Smith,” said Dr. Glenn Maleyko, Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent and Michigan’s next State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “They demonstrate unwavering professionalism and a commitment to ensure all students feel welcome and are prepared for high school.”
As his direct supervisor, Lamis Srour nominated Rummel for the award.
“Mr. Rummel has proven to have a clear vision for student success, systems that support a positive culture and climate, and [is] a learner of innovation and efficient practices,” Srour said. “Mr. Rummel’s vision includes emotional and physical safety as his top priority.”
Parent and community member Crystal Paulsen said Rummel references the quote “It takes a village” often enough for it to become synonymous with his leadership style.
“Over the years he has played a crucial role in my son’s life,” Paulsen said, “always being a consistent, supportive feature in my family’s ‘village.’”
She said O.L. Smith was once a school in crisis, but today it is thriving.
“He created a community where families are welcomed to be a part of the village,” Paulsen said. “After all, it truly does take all of us to ensure our children grow into successful adults.”
As a parent, PTSA Past President and Executive Board Member Robbin Makled said Fayad was undaunted when she became an administrator in the rebound from the pandemic, jumping into her role and making a deep, positive impact.
“It takes a special person to truly appreciate middle schoolers – to understand their complex personalities and the enormous physical and emotional changes they are experiencing, while treating them with the respect, empathy, understanding, and humor they crave and deserve,” Makled said. “I can truly tell you that Maha comes to work each day and absolutely nails it.”
When Rummel arrived at the school, Makled said the school was facing instability and low morale; but through consistent, collaborative leadership and high expectations, he rebuilt trust among staff and the community, drastically reducing turnover and elevating academic performance.
“Principal Rummel exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader,” said Silvo Davis, Dearborn Goodfellows Past President and City of Dearborn Neighborhood Liaison. “His work is rooted in kindness, guided by purpose, and driven by the belief that every child deserves the best we can offer.”
Nowlin Elementary Principal and Association of Dearborn School Administrators President Joshua Tynan said Rummel has a remarkable ability to involve teachers, staff members, parents, students and the broader community in achieving the school’s and district’s goals.
“I have witnessed firsthand how he provides clear direction and focus, ensuring that his school’s programs and practices are always aligned with the school district’s vision and mission,” Tynan said. “Through this collaborative approach, Mr. Rummel has fostered a deep sense of ownership among all stakeholders for school-wide efforts.”
Social Studies Teacher James B. Radcliffe, Ph.D., said Fayad believes that all students are capable of learning and works tirelessly to make sure the staff has every available resource to ensure that high quality teaching and learning is happening in every classroom.
“What sets Ms. Fayad apart is her ability to lead with both head and heart,” Radcliffe said. “She is highly respected by teachers for being a supportive instructional coach and by students for being a steady, approachable mentor.”
In addition to traditional academics, Radcliffe said. Fayad puts a strong focus on the social and emotional needs of the students and staff at O.L. Smith and can often be seen counseling students who are struggling.
Not knowing he would be recognized as well, in his recommendation for Fayad, Rummel said she took risks as an assistant principal that paid off – observed, asked questions and reflected along the way.
“I can overwhelmingly say Smith is a better place because she is part of it,” he said.
Dearborn Police Department School Resource Officer, Corporal Michael Leto said Rummel doesn’t wait for problems, he plans ahead, talks through potential issues, and always looks for ways to make the school a safer place for everyone.
“I have consistently witnessed his unwavering commitment to student safety, his exceptional leadership and his deep dedication to fostering an environment where students are encouraged to grow into responsible, well-rounded young adults,” Leto said.
Rummel and Fayad will represent Michigan as the state’s nominees for the National Association of Secondary School Principals Middle School Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year competition, which will be awarded at the National Education Leadership Awards, in April 2026, in Washington, D.C.
“It is remarkable that a single school would have two such outstanding administrators working together every day,” Zdeb said. “Mark and Maha set the standard for what is possible in Michigan’s middle schools and it’s exciting to have them represent our state.”
About Administrator of the Year Award Programs: For more information about the NASSP National Principal of the Year program, visit www.nassp.org/poy. For more information on MASSP and MASC/MAHS’s Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year programs, visit massp.com/poty.