Local Educator Named Principal of the Year

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Image: William Bates (Fairfax County Public Schools)

Release: FCPS

William Bates, who has served as principal at Herndon High School since 2009 and has worked for Fairfax County Public Schools for 15 years, has been named the FCPS 2015 Principal of the Year and is the recipient of the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award. Bates is one of 21 principals - representing the public school systems in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and private schools - selected by the Washington Post for the award.

Bates is known for his philosophy, “We are educators because we are Hopeologists. Our world needs more Hopeologists, because children without hope become children without a future.”

Putting that philosophy into practice, Bates has developed a mission for Herndon High that states, “All Hornets are capable of Success ... No Exceptions!” This statement drives everything at Herndon, from the development of a professional learning community focused on student achievement via professional development for teachers, to the establishment of a curriculum support specialist.

By improving school ownership and spirit, Bates has changed the culture at Herndon by way of a PRIDE (participation, respect, integrity, diligence, and empathy) matrix followed by students and staff. The word pride can be found throughout the school — on student planners, T-shirts, posters and bulletin boards. It has helped build a spirited atmosphere at the school, one of FCPS’s first high schools, that is evident at faculty cook-offs, athletic events and performing arts events, as well as throughout the halls every day.

Bates hosts an informal Chat and Chew quarterly for staff members to discuss ongoing issues, and encouraged the establishment of a staff walking club and after-school exercise classes.