New Elementary School Principal Hired
 POSTED: 12:00 p.m. EDT, April 16, 2008
By: FCCPS Communications
A new leader will soon take the helm of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, but he won’t be new to the Falls Church City Public Schools. Beginning July 1st, Vincent Baxter will leave his post as assistant principal of Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School to begin serving as principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary. Baxter was officially hired last night with a vote by the Falls Church City School Board.
 “Of all the candidates who applied for the position, Vincent Baxter emerged as the best candidate to lead TJ,” Superintendent Lois Berlin said. “His life experiences and educational credentials give him a solid leadership foundation, and his first-hand knowledge of the Mary Ellen Henderson culture will further ensure TJ fourth graders have the foundation they need to make a smooth transition into middle school.”
Baxter’s FCCPS experience began in August 2006. In his two years at MEHMS, Baxter has distinguished himself as a firm, but fair administrator whose leadership approach is always student-centered. He has established himself as a highly effective instructional leader and communicator who is easily approachable and who makes students, staff and parents feel comfortable and accepted.
When asked about taking on the leadership of Thomas Jefferson Elementary, Vincent Baxter said, “It will be an honor to serve the Thomas Jefferson school community. I look forward to getting to know each student, each family and each teacher.”
Prior to joining the FCCPS, Baxter served in various capacities within the Washington, D.C. Public Schools. He was a second and third grade teacher at Walker-Jones Elementary School, an administrator at Rock Creek International School and a summer school principal at W.B. Patterson Elementary School. He also spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English to 9, 10 and 11-year-old children in Central Africa.
Baxter is a graduate of J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, Va. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, and he earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from The George Washington University, where he is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in educational administration.
The search for a new principal at TJ began in January after the current principal, Trudy Taylor, announced her plans to retire at the end of this school year. Nine candidates applied for the position, five were interviewed by a principal selection committee, and two finalists were interviewed by Superintendent Lois Berlin.
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New Thomas Jefferson Elementary School principal
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