UPPER MARLBORO, Md.— Prince George's County Public Schools, in partnership with the Prince George's County Chamber of Commerce, hosted its ninth annual Principal for a Day event on Monday.  More than 100 business, community, and government leaders participated in this year’s event.

“This is always a wonderful and beneficial event,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent of Schools. “We hope that our business and community leaders continue to establish ongoing partnerships with our schools and remain involved.”

Participants included County Executive Rushern Baker, who spent the day at Cherokee Lane Elementary School, and Prince George's County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks at Steven Decatur Middle School.

Craig Muckle, manager of public affairs and government relations for Safeway's Eastern Division, shadowed principal Constance Gibb at Robert Goddard Montessori. "Principals have to deal with a lot, from student behavior all the way to managing a budget,” he said. “This is truly where working is.”

Each participant worked alongside the principal on a variety of duties. They arrived before the start of school and remained until the final bell to experience a day in the life of a principal.

The purpose of the Principal for a Day program is to allow business and community leaders to receive first-hand information from principals, teachers, staff members, and students on the challenges faced in education. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences with school staff, members of the community, and peers.