Hyattsville Elementary Transitioning with Purpose: A Conversation with Principal Richard McKee
By Leslie Green - Published July 21, 2025
As Hyattsville Elementary School prepares to close its historic doors and temporarily relocate to St. Mark’s in September 2025, we spoke with Principal, Dr. Richard McKee to reflect on the journey, the logistics, and what this move means for the school and community.
How long have you served as principal at Hyattsville Elementary, and what does this transition mean to you?
I’ll be entering my sixth year as principal this July. Honestly, this transition is bittersweet. When I first interviewed for this role, I asked the PTA what their top priority was, and they said they wanted a new building. I promised them that I’d do whatever I could to help make that happen. So, this moment is both emotional and fulfilling. We're closing a building that’s over 104 years old, but we’re stepping into something new and full of promise.
Why has the school community been so committed to this effort?
The building has deep roots in Hyattsville. It’s a treasure, but we’ve long outgrown it. This school deserves to be a true centerpiece for the community. At the elementary level, you see some of the strongest parental engagement, and we want to build on that. This move represents our shared vision for creating a space that reflects the high standards and energy of our staff, students, and families.
What logistical elements or challenges have you experienced?
It’s like moving an entire household for every single classroom. Labeling, tracking, organizing… we’re in full coordination mode. Things like stickers falling off boxes can seem small, but they matter. We’re doing everything we can to make sure it’s smooth, orderly, and respectful of the emotional ties everyone has to the current building.
Tell us more about the new location at St. Mark’s.
We’re not just renting space — we’re forming a real partnership. Many of our families already attend St. Mark’s Church, so it feels natural. We’ve been working closely with their team to ensure this is a welcoming, functional space. The goal is to not only sustain but strengthen our school culture during this time.
How are you preparing students and families for the change?
We’ve already held meetings and shared information about what to expect. The school will temporarily shift from a walking school to an all-bus school, which is a big adjustment. We’re revisiting policies and updating the student handbook to match the new environment. There will also be a Transition Day where families can tour the St. Mark’s location and ask questions. Our message is simple: we’ve got you, we’re ready, and we’ll make this work — together.
What’s been the response from families and the community so far?
It’s been overwhelmingly supportive. This isn’t just a school initiative; it’s a community-driven effort. Everyone has been on board from the start. Our families and the PTA have played a critical role. As I always say, a partnership isn’t a one-way street. It’s not just about what the school needs; it’s also about how we can uplift each other. That’s how we’ve come this far.
What’s next?
We officially hand over the keys to the current building on June 30, 2025, so now we’re updating our website to reflect our new identity: Hyattsville Elementary at St. Mark’s. From there, it’s all about maintaining excellence while building for the future. In two years, we’ll move into our brand-new school building. We’ve waited a long time for this, and we’re ready.
As Hyattsville Elementary transitions to its temporary home, it does so with a deep appreciation for the past and an unshakable focus on the future. With clear leadership, transparent communication, and an engaged community, the next two years promise to be not just a period of transition, but a time of transformation.
