RSU 21 Announces New Superintendent

KENNEBUNK, Maine - The RSU 21 School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Martin Grimm as the next superintendent of schools, following an extensive search process that spanned over three months. Dr. Grimm will officially begin his three-year contract with RSU 21 on September 1. 

In partnership with the New England School Development Council, the Board conducted multiple community and staff focus groups, administered a districtwide survey, and developed a candidate profile aligned with RSU 21’s values and priorities. A screening committee, which included representation from all three towns in RSU 21, district staff, students, school and union leaders, and community members, reviewed 15 applications received from a month-long application window. The committee advanced 8 candidates to initial interviews and ultimately recommended 3 finalists for full Board consideration. 

Dr. Martin Grimm brings over 25 years of leadership experience in K–12 and higher education to RSU 21. He is recognized for creating supportive school environments, advancing student-focused practices, and building systems that enhance academic success and well-being. 

Dr. Grimm started his career as an elementary physical education teacher and Dean of Students in small Colorado school districts, where he gained experience supporting student development. He later worked in Northern Virginia as Director of Student Activities and subsequently Assistant Principal, overseeing mathematics and special education departments as well as serving as Extended School Year principal for special education. These roles provided him with experience in academic administration and inclusive educational practices. 

Building on this foundation, Dr. Grimm advanced in educational leadership as principal of Centreville High School (grades 9–12, enrollment approx. 2,700 students) and Hayfield Secondary School (grades 7–12, enrollment approx. 3,400 students), both in Fairfax County Public Schools - the 9th largest district in the country, serving more than 181,000 students. At Centreville and Hayfield, he prioritized community engagement, implemented staff recognition programs, and introduced academic interventions that helped raise achievement for historically underserved groups. Under his leadership, Hayfield Secondary School earned the prestigious Purple Star designation for its outstanding support of military-connected families and was recognized for exceeding district and state averages in academic achievement while reducing disciplinary incidents. 

Dr. Grimm most recently held the position of Director of Student Activities and Athletics within the Central Administration Office of Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), the 34th largest school district in the nation and Virginia's second largest, serving approximately 90,000 students. In this role, he provided leadership for K–12 programs encompassing activities and athletics across 13 high schools and 17 middle schools, as well as the district’s K–12 robotics program and the PWCS Aquatics Center. Additionally, he managed sports medicine services for both middle and high schools, overseeing concussion management and return-to-play protocols to promote student safety. Recognized for his commitment to equitable opportunities, Dr. Grimm spearheaded innovative initiatives such as creating the first girls’ flag football league in Virginia through a partnership with the Washington Commanders, launching a division-wide bowling league with over 300 participants in its first year, and enhancing student athletics by supporting the development of rowing programs, providing more access to crew for all students in PWCS. He also strengthened a partnership with George Mason University to provide athletic trainers for middle school athletes, enhancing care and safety for younger students. 

Dr. Grimm’s contributions extend to higher education, where he served as a college athletic director and Men’s Head Basketball Coach at Oxford College of Emory University, while also teaching Exercise and Sports Science as an Adjunct Professor. He later became an adjunct professor at George Mason University, teaching graduate courses in educational leadership and licensure programs to prepare future school administrators. 

Academically, Dr. Grimm holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech, where his research focused on school culture and multi-tiered systems of support. He also earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum Development from Regis University, a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Colorado State University, and an Associate of Arts in Education from Seattle Central Community College. 

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Grimm to RSU 21,” said Board Chair Matt Stratford. “His leadership experience spans every level of education - from the classroom to school principal and, most recently, to senior district leadership - reflecting a thoughtful progression grounded in service, vision, and impact. What stood out most was his commitment to building strong relationships, fostering supportive school cultures, and creating opportunities for every student to succeed. We look forward to working with Dr. Grimm as we continue advancing the goals of our Strategic Plan and strengthening our district’s future.” 

In response to his appointment, Dr. Grimm said, “I am beyond excited to join the RSU 21 community as the next superintendent. Building strong and genuine relationships with staff, families, and community partners is something I deeply value. I look forward to working together to not only uphold the traditions and achievements of RSU 21, but also to build on its success by fostering a culture of innovation, equity, and support where every student can thrive.” 

Dr. Grimm and his wife, Dr. Grace Taylor, both serve as educators and administrators. They are the parents of two children: Zachary, who is pursuing a degree in English and Creative Writing at George Mason University, and Clare, a Biology major and field hockey student-athlete at Allegheny College. Dr. Grimm’s interests include hiking and spending time with their dogs, Nala and Cooper.