Elizabeth Baxter, a Fairfax County Public Schools graduate who started her teaching career in Reston, took over as principal of Terraset Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 24, the first day of the 2026-27 school year.

Baxter arrives from Herndon Elementary School, where she served as assistant principal since 2019. During her tenure there, chronic absenteeism dropped from 23.4% to 4.5% over four years. That's an 81% reduction. The 792-student school's improvement relied on what the district described as early intervention, consistent support systems and collaborative problem-solving centered on relationships with students and families.

The appointment was announced Sunday, Aug. 23 by Dr. Jameile Choice, FCPS assistant superintendent for Region 1.

Baxter brings 18 years of experience in the district. She believes "strong relationships, inclusive practices, and high expectations are foundational to student success," according to the announcement.

She holds two master's degrees, one in educational leadership and another in curriculum and instruction with a PreK-through-third-grade concentration, plus a bachelor's degree in health, fitness and recreation resources from George Mason University.

Terraset is a pre-K through sixth-grade school with 598 students, located on the South Lakes High School pyramid's "Model Campus" alongside Langston Hughes Middle School. The three schools share a track and athletic fields. Terraset feeds into Langston Hughes and then South Lakes.

Baxter replaces Katie Aldridge, who was listed as principal as recently as December 2025 in an FCPS newsletter documenting a visit by state Sen. Stella Pekarsky. The district has not publicly stated the reason for the leadership change.

The new school year also brings boundary shifts for some South Lakes pyramid families: as we reported Monday, 384 students face reassignment to the new Skyview High School. Terraset families looking to connect with Baxter can reach the school office at 703-390-2400.