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2016 SESSION

16105821D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 395
Offered March 1, 2016
Commending William Bates.
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Patrons-- Boysko and Plum; Senators: Wexton and Favola
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WHEREAS, William Bates, who has ably led and supported the students of Herndon High School as principal for six years, was named the 2015 Principal of the Year by Fairfax County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, William Bates has worked for Fairfax County Public Schools for 15 years; he served as a special education teacher at South Lakes High School, an administrative intern at Fairfax High School, and an assistant principal at Centreville High School, before joining Herndon High School in 2009; and

WHEREAS, William Bates earned a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Slippery Rock University, a master’s degree in special education from California University of Pennsylvania, and an administrative endorsement in educational leadership from George Mason University; and

WHEREAS, William Bates established an environment at Herndon High School that is conducive to learning and fosters creativity and personal development; he is known for his philosophy as a “Hopeologist,” someone who gives all children hope for their future; and

WHEREAS, under William Bates’ guidance, Herndon High School and the Herndon Pyramid have adopted the “Kids at Hope” program; and

WHEREAS, William Bates created a culture of enthusiastic school spirit and a proud sense of ownership at Herndon High School, and he is fully engaged with students during school hours and extracurricular activities; and

WHEREAS, William Bates is a trusted mentor to his students and discusses numerous topics with them, including bullying and suicide awareness, the physical conditions of the school, student perceptions of staff, and expectations for academic achievement; and

WHEREAS, William Bates initiated new professional development opportunities for staff members to help them better focus on their mission and opened new lines of communication and team-building between staff and the administration; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being named the 2015 Principal of the Year, William Bates also received the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend William Bates on being named the 2015 Principal of the Year by Fairfax County Public Schools; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William Bates as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his commitment to students and contributions to the Fairfax County community.