About Us

Mrs. Rutledge has served as a teacher, special educator, instructional leader and an administrator in the Howard County Public School System for 28 years.  Prior to her recent tenure as Principal of Bushy Park Elementary, she served as the Assistant Principal at Elkridge Elementary School for six years.  Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Duquesne University and a Master's of Education in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University. She is honored to join the Swansfield Elementary School community and looks forward to working collaboratively with the staff, students, and families to continue the school's tradition of excellence and to support the growth and success of every child.

I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee and attended Morgan State University on a tennis scholarship. I joined HCPSS as a student intern in conjunction with the PDS program and then was hired at Hammond Elementary school in 2001, teaching second grade for 4 years before serving as Instructional Team Leader for that grade for 9 years and 5 years as ITL for 4th grade. I received my Master of education in Administration and Supervision from Loyola College in Maryland. I have served on several committees, mentored student interns and was the Teacher Development Liaison (TDL) for 8 years. In 2021, I was the Leadership Intern at Bollman Bridge Elementary School. My family are proud residents of Howard County and my 4 children all attend Howard County Public Schools. My passion is outreach to the community, building relationships, watching quiz shows and I am an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Cory Coward Sr. is originally from Brooklyn, NY. He attended Howard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Education in Elementary Education. Over the course of his 20‑year career, he has served as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator, most recently as an Assistant Principal in DC Public Schools. He has enjoyed supporting students, families, and staff throughout his career and values the relationships he has built in each school community.