Principal

Dr. Mark Gumm

Dr. Mark Gumm is entering his second year as Principal of Dater Montessori Elementary School, bringing a total of four years in leadership at the school, including two years as Assistant Principal. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Gumm was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morehouse College in 2010 and his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton in 2013.

With over a decade of experience in elementary and middle school education, Dr. Gumm has served in a variety of leadership roles. These include Discipline and Behavior Coach in Dayton, Ohio, and Curriculum Design Coach with Forward Edge in Cincinnati, where he collaborated with Cincinnati Public Schools at Roberts Academy. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational and Professional Practice with a focus in Social Justice Leadership from Antioch University. His doctoral dissertation, Exploring Consciousness in Millennial African American Men: Using Video Ethnography to Convey Meaning, reflects his deep commitment to equity and culturally responsive leadership.

Dr. Gumm is passionate about student success and firmly believes that all students can achieve when provided with the right supports and guidance. He is dedicated to fostering a school environment where every family feels heard, respected, and supported. Dr. Gumm and his wife, Alora, are the proud parents of four sons and are deeply committed to building strong educational foundations for all children.