Susie Long said a career spent working with a variety of special-needs students has prepared her for the complexities of supervising an entire school.

"I'm ready to apply all the knowledge that I have and see if it works," Long said. "I am truly excited."

Long, 54, is the new principal of Hyattsville Middle School, taking over for Gail Golden, who retired after 12 years.

This is the first appointment as principal for Long, 54, who has a master's in school administration from Bowie State University and a doctorate in special education from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Long said her main priority at Hyattsville Middle will be to boost student achievement while maintaining the supportive and friendly environment she's found at the school, particularly with regard to the school's performing arts program, a magnet initiative that offers classes in drama, band, dance, creative writing and visual and media arts.

"The program is phenomenal. ... Things they have done have been great," Long said.

However, Hyattsville Middle has failed to meet the Adequate Yearly Progress goals in reading and math achievement established by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

One contributing factor is that about a third of Hyattsville Middle's population is comprised of English-language learners, Long said.

Long said the school will be "working more collaboratively with the [English for Speakers of Other Languages] office" to help boost the school's scores.

In her 32 years with Prince George's County Public Schools, Long has worked as a speech therapist, an instructor for the deaf and hard-of-hearing and a special educator for students with disabilities.

She spent the past five years working in the county's Department of Curriculum and Instruction, helping develop the English curriculum for secondary-school students.

Gladys Whitehead, county director of curriculum and instruction, praised Long's passion for working with children.

"We are going to miss her dearly," Whitehead said. "We know that Hyattsville will truly benefit from her expertise and her leadership."

Long, who lives in Capitol Heights, is divorced with four children and one grandson.

Hyattsville Middle School PTA President Errick King said he was impressed after meeting with Long last week.

"I think she's going to be a good instructor and a good leader for the school," King said. "She's got a lot on her hands but it looks like she's ready to get started with it."