May 3, 2016
Dear Mustang Parents and Guardians,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that last night I offered my resignation from the position of principal of George Mason High School effective June 30, 2016. It has been my great honor and privilege to have served the exceptional young people of the Falls Church community for the past eight years. During this time I have worked alongside the most thoughtful, talented, and dedicated cohort of professionals a principal could ask for. Our teachers, counselors, and support staff make wonders happen every day as they work to support the continued academic, social, athletic, artistic, and civic development of our most precious gifts; the young people of The Mustang Nation.
Eight short years ago this amazing community welcomed me as first servant to the children and educators of George Mason High School. Today I write to you to say that my time as a proud member of The Mustang Nation has come to an end. I have resigned my position as principal to accept an opportunity to serve as Director of Secondary Education for the Arlington Public Schools System.
It has been my great fortune to learn and grow alongside an exceptional cohort of professionals on behalf of the best kids this great nation has to offer. Our school is successful because of the special connections that permeate this community. Collectively we are all committed to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of our most precious gifts...our children and young people. The Falls Church community is a stalwart advocate for children and works diligently to ensure that every child receives the challenges and continual support they need to reach academic, artistic, social, and civic goals. Each year we strive to Excel in Mind, Body, and Character. I have complete confidence that George Mason will continue to serve as a leader and model for others to emulate and I’m proud of the work we have done together.
I also need to take this opportunity to thank our superintendent, her staff, and our school board. Their task is at times impossible and often thankless. I thank them individually and collectively for their commitment to serving the needs of our educators so that they can in turn provide our children with engaging, challenging, and relevant learning experiences in safe and nurturing environments. You have provided us with the tools of tomorrow and the thoughtful guidance we need to continually improve our capacity to serve as effective educators.
My decision to leave at this time is more difficult than I’m able to communicate in words. This community gave me a chance when I had yet to prove myself as a competent leader. That challenge is ongoing, but because of the young people, educators, support staff, and parents and guardians of the Falls Church community I’m a bunch closer to that goal.
Mahatma Gandhi said “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” It is my genuine hope that my time here will be remembered for the relationships we’ve created, the tears we shed, and the laughs we shared as we worked together to ensure a better tomorrow for our young people. Farewell and thanks for the friendship.
Ty
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