More News

William Bates has always wanted to be a principal. And after 11 years in the Fairfax County Public School system, he is set to take over the top job at Herndon High School.

"I'm ecstatic. I'm just thrilled to be the new principal," said Bates, who is finishing out his last days as an assistant principal at Herndon. "As a teacher and then assistant principal, I've always known I've wanted to be a principal."

The draw to the job, he said, is the ability to work closely with parents, students and teachers in scholastics as well as sports.

Bates' first day as principal is Dec. 1. In the meantime, Garland Cooper -- a retired Fairfax County principal -- will continue as acting principal of the school, a post he has held since Oct. 1, when for Herndon principal Agustin Martinez left for another public schools position.

Martinez now serves as a principal-in-residence, working with and coaching new administrators in the county's Principal Induction Program, said FCPS spokeswoman Mary Shaw.

"We're very pleased with Mr. Bates' appointment ... and kind of stabilizing the environment since we've had an interim principal," said PTSA president Lee Fortna, whose sons Brian, a sophomore, and Daniel, a senior, attend Herndon. "I think everybody's happy to have that position filled."

Some 2,200 students enter the doors of Herndon High School each day, Bates said.

"We want to let students know when they walk through the door that this is first an institution of learning," he said, adding that raising student achievement at the school is a primary goal.

"The first thing we can do is instill in the parents, students and teachers that we're all going to achieve at high levels," Bates said. "The achievement gap is really a national crisis. That's something we struggled with last year.

"Some of the challenges we'll face are really the same as those other schools face, which start with the standard we instill in our students."

Bates said he hopes to see more students, especially those in minority groups, taking Advanced Placement classes.

His own education includes a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Slippery Rock University, a master's degree in special education from California University of Pennsylvania and an endorsement in education leadership from George Mason University.

Bates began his career as an educator in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he taught special needs students. He has also worked as a behavior specialist consultant and therapist for special needs and disabled students.

He said he learned about Fairfax County schools during a job fair in Pittsburgh.

"I went to a job fair and was recruited by Fairfax County and a couple of neighboring counties," said Bates, who said part of his decision to move to the area was because he had family here.

Before working at Herndon High School, Bates served as a Centreville High School assistant principal. He became an assistant principal at Herndon in 2007. Bates said the school plans to fill his former position as soon as possible.

"Herndon is a great school. Having been in Fairfax County for 11 years now, I've seen that Herndon is a great community with a reputation of pride," he said.

One thing he wants parents and students in the school to know, Bates said, "I'll be visible and I care about them. I'm really focused on ensuring that we promote the physical, academic and emotional development of our students."