Superintendent

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. 

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.