MASSP honors Romeo Middle School Principal Brad Martz for reimagining middle school learning, strengthening school culture and creating opportunities for students to make a difference beyond the classroom.
Brad Martz, principal of Romeo Middle School, has been named Michigan’s 2027 Middle School Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.
Martz was surprised with the award by MASSP Executive Director Colin Ripmaster during a celebration in Romeo’s media center attended by students, teachers and Romeo Community Schools Superintendent Joseph McDonald.
“Brad Martz is a visionary leader who has championed initiatives that foster both student achievement and positive culture,” said McDonald. “He has cultivated a schoolwide environment rooted in trust, empathy, and strong relational connections, and has maintained his focus on meeting the distinct academic, developmental, and emotional needs of young adolescents.”
An administrator at Romeo since 2011, Martz helped lead the school through the merger of the district’s two middle schools during the 2020–21 school year. The transition became an opportunity to rethink middle school learning and build a culture rooted in relationships, community service and real-world experiences.
“Over the years, Mr. Martz has guided our school community through remarkable transformations with vision, empathy and resilience. By prioritizing inclusivity and shared purpose, he united staff, students and families into a single, cohesive community,” said a Romeo Middle School faculty member.
Under his leadership, Romeo became the first middle school in Michigan to implement the Ford Next Generation Learning Academy Model. The approach connects rigorous academics with career-focused learning and community partnerships. Students progress from learning about local nonprofits to volunteering and developing solutions to real community challenges. Today, the school serves more than 1,200 students and partners with more than 50 nonprofit organizations.
“When Romeo’s two middle schools came together, Brad saw an opportunity to rethink what middle school could be. He brought educators, students, families and community partners together around a vision where learning, relationships and service are connected,” said Ripmaster. “What’s especially meaningful is that students aren’t simply learning about how to make a difference. They’re discovering what they can contribute to their communities right now. Brad reminds us that young people don’t have to wait until adulthood to make an impact, and that’s how leadership changes lives.”
Martz also prioritizes the relationships that help students feel known, valued and connected. Through Capturing Kids’ Hearts practices, staff build relationships into everyday school life. Romeo Middle School has earned recognition as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School.
“He is an incredibly present administrator, greeting students at the door each morning, monitoring breakfast, walking the hallways every day and even leading classroom instruction,” said Jacob Nelson, ninth grade student at Romeo High School. “What stands out most, however, is how intentionally he connects with students. He remembers details from previous conversations and follows up on them later. Those moments show students they are seen, heard and important.”
A veteran educator with 25 years of experience, including 15 years in administration, Martz was nominated by Kaitlyn Venglar. His selection followed a two-stage review involving student leaders from Michigan Student Leadership and members of the MASSP Board of Directors. Both committees considered evidence of leadership and impact across instructional leadership, innovation, school culture and community engagement.
MASSP celebrates four building leaders annually as part of their statewide Administrators of the Year award program. The awards recognize exceptional middle and high school principals and assistant principals, and the difference they make in the lives of students, educators and their communities.
Martz will represent Michigan as its nominee for the National Principals Association Middle School Principal of the Year competition. All state award winners will be recognized at the National Education Leadership Awards ceremony in February 2027 in Tampa, FL.
The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) supports and develops Michigan’s middle and high school principals, assistant principals and other school leaders through professional learning, advocacy, resources and a statewide leadership community. Through its student division, Michigan Student Leadership (MSL), MASSP also supports student leadership development across Michigan. Learn more about the Administrators of the Year awards program at https://massp.com/poty/.