Meet Our Administrators

Principal – Katherine H. Duncan

Welcome to James Madison Middle School – Home of the Matadors! I am delighted to be serving as the principal of JMMS for the 2024-2025 school year. James Madison is a special place, with top-notch academic programs and extracurricular activities. The staff of Madison works together to create a safe and positive environment where learning is paramount for all students. We welcome parent participation in our PTA and school activities. A strong partnership between home and school is essential to help our students reach their greatest potential. Please let me know if you have any questions by calling 540-853-2351 or emailing me at khduncan@rcps.info. 

About Me
I am originally from Virginia Beach and graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in psychology (go Hoos!). Before coming to Madison as principal, I was the principal of Round Hill Elementary School, and prior to that was assistant principal at James Madison Middle School. It's good to be home! I came to education through Teach for America, and have taught special education at the middle and high school levels in Virginia and Washington, D.C. I hold an Ed.S. from UVA in Administration & Supervision and an M.Ed. in Special Education from George Mason University. Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband, Brooks, and twin daughters, Maisie and Harper.

Go Matadors!

Assistant Principal – Elizabeth Garst

 ‘-never let it be said that to dream is a waste of time. For dreams are realities in waiting…in dreams, we plant the seeds to our future.’

Ms.Garst has been in education since 2008. She served as a classroom English teacher for 11 years and has been in administration for RCPS for the past two years. She is so excited for a new experience and to be a part of the Madison family! If you have any concerns or questions please contact her at either ecgarst@rcps.info or by phone at 853-2002! ♥️

Assistant Principal – Mikayla McMullen

I am honored to serve as an Assistant Principal at James Madison Middle School. 

I earned my Bachelor's degree in Business Education, with a minor in Business Administration, from Concord University in Athens, WV in 2018, where I was also a collegiate cheerleader for four years. I later returned to Concord to complete my Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision in 2021.

With a strong background in middle school education and student leadership, I am committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where all students can succeed.

Prior to becoming an administrator, I was a classroom teacher here at James Madison for seven years, and a cheerleading coach at Northside High School for six years. I also lead the Community Builders program, a district-wide initiative focused on leadership, service learning, and personal growth. This program reflects my commitment to helping students build strong relationships and explore career pathways, and make a positive impact in their community. 

I value collaboration with students, families, and staff, and work daily to support academic achievement and social-emotional development. I strongly believe middle school is a time for discovery, and my goal is to ensure every student feels seen, supported and inspired. I am excited to continue my education journey here at James Madison Middle School.