William Bates, Herndon High School’s principal and FCPS Principal of the Year, honored on June 23 before the Board of Supervisors. Photo Contributed
Herndon High School principal Dr. William Bates is leaving, but the philosophy of hopeology he instilled in the Hornet community will remain.
“Yes, it is true. After nine years of calling Herndon High School home I will be leaving. The past seven years as principal have been the best years of my professional career,” said Bates.
When the Fairfax Board of Supervisors honored Bates in 2015 for being the principal of the year, he gave a glimpse of the inspiration power of his teaching philosophy of “hopeology.”
“I am a treasure hunter and a hopeologist and I believe in the power of hope,” said Bates. “As adults, we have the capacity to instill hope in all children.”
“All children are capable of success. No exceptions,” he said. “We have the ability to get those who don’t believe in themselves to accomplish the most amazing things.”
On July 30, Bates will become the director of School Performance with the Baltimore County Public Schools.
Bates has been part of Fairfax County Public School system for 17 years.
“A few of my most humbling career experiences came when I was named principal of Herndon High School in 2009 and when I was recognized as the 2015 FCPS Principal of the year,” he wrote in a letter to the Herndon community. “These are accomplishments that will live prominently in my heart forever, but it was the wonderful work being accomplished at Herndon High School and the support of the Herndon Hornet Community that made these things possible.”
With Baltimore County Public Schools, Bates will help lead principals through the School Performance Plan Process as well as mentor new principals, especially those at Title 1 and priority schools within the Baltimore County School System.
He will bring with him the impact of teaching he created at Herndon High School. “I witnessed Young Hornets reach their highest goals and aspirations because of dedicated school staff and caring parents who created pathways for success,” according to Bates. “I can’t say enough about the miraculous things that are happening in the Herndon Pyramid on a daily basis and it’s all because of people like you. People who care about kids. People who respect and care for their school community. People who are willing to do whatever it takes to help all Hornets be successful. No exceptions.”