Middletown High School Principal Announces Retirement After More Than Three Decades of Service

Middletown, OH – Middletown High School (MHS) Principal Carmela Cotter is retiring after dedicating more than 30 years of service to Middletown City School District (MCSD). Cotter, who has served as principal since 2011, will retire at the end of the school year, leaving behind a legacy of transformation, student success, and unwavering commitment to the Middletown community.

Cotter’s career with MCSD began in 1991, and over the years, she has played an instrumental role in shaping the educational experiences of thousands of students. She has served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal at MHS, making a lasting impact at every level. As a teacher, she directed and choreographed musicals, advised drill teams and twirlers, and helped run student clubs, fostering creativity and school spirit.

As the first female principal in MHS’s history, she has spearheaded multiple redesigns of the high school to transform learning and enhance student preparedness for various post-graduation pathways, including career, college, and military opportunities. Her leadership has fostered an innovative and inclusive learning environment, ensuring every student has access to the resources they need to be successful.

One of Cotter’s most notable achievements as principal was her role in improving MHS’s graduation rate. Her commitment to student achievement and success, along with her ability to inspire students and staff, has left a lasting impact on the school and the broader community.

Cotter has been a fixture at countless Middie events, standing at the end zone of more than 100 Middie football games, attending more than 40 homecoming dances, and supporting numerous other sports, concerts, and shows. Her presence at these events has demonstrated her dedication to the entire Middie experience, celebrating students in and out of the classroom.

“Carmela Cotter’s impact on MHS and our entire district is truly remarkable,” Superintendent Deborah Houser said. “For over 30 years, she has led with passion, dedication, and an unwavering belief in every student’s potential. She has championed innovation and student success, leaving a lasting legacy. Ms. Cotter's presence, leadership, and deep commitment to the Middie family will be greatly missed. On behalf of MCSD, thank you, Carmela, for your incredible service; you will be dearly missed. We wish you all the best in this well-earned next chapter!”

As MHS prepares for this transition, MCSD will work to ensure that Cotter’s vision for student success and innovation remains at the forefront. More information regarding the search for a new principal will be shared in the coming months.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking Principal Carmela Cotter for her years of service, leadership, and commitment to the students, staff, and families of Middletown. We wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement!

CONVERSATION WITH PRINCIPAL CARMELA COTTER

What has been your favorite part of being the principal of MHS?

“No question, it’s spending time with the kids. I get to do a lot of personal and celebratory work with them. I especially love being able to help them through life and help them work through challenging issues one-on-one.”

 “You're always their principal, but you step into a role where you're almost family with them. I've tried really hard to explain to the kids that the reason why I make the decisions I make, is to be in their best interest, because we are a family and I want what's best for them.”

What’s your favorite memory from your time as a high school principal?

“I was sitting at home and realizing that I had one student playing baseball, one playing football, and one playing basketball professionally.”

“We also now have one student who is in the White House. No matter how you look at what kids are doing, if they're making their dreams come true, and you're their high school principal, you get to go along for the ride with them.”

What advice do you have for the next MHS principal?

“Everybody is the right person for the job when they're in the chair and nobody's the same. That's the unique thing about being a high school principal.”

What do you plan to do in retirement?

“We want to travel some more. Our son lives and works in London, England, so I'm looking forward to spending more time around him.”

“I love helping and after all these years, usually there's some way I can find to support and help.”