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June 14, 2017

Nick Napolitano named new Taylor Middle principal

“It’s always been a personal goal of mine to become a principal,” Nick Napolitano says.

Nick has established himself as an impactful assistant principal. He’s very forward-thinking and a very strong leader. We thought he represented the best needs for that school and that school community.

— Superintendent David Jeck

Nicholas Napolitano

• Age: 39

• Home: Purcellville.

• Work: Assistant Principal, Liberty High School, 2014 to present; adjunct professor, special education, University of Mary Washington, spring 2017; physical education teacher, Aldrin Elementary School, Reston, 2011-14; physical education teacher, Columbia Elementary, Annandale, 2002-11.

• Education: Master’s degree, administration and supervision, George Washington University, 2012; master’s degree, curriculum and instruction, George Mason University, 2009; bachelor’s degree, physical education, Ithaca College, 2000.

• Family: Wife, Stephanie and son, Nicholas.

• Hobbies: Home improvement projects, personal fitness and spending time with family.

By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Staff Journalist

Fauquier’s school board Tuesday night unanimously approved the hiring of Nicholas Napolitano, 39, as Taylor Middle School’s new principal.

An assistant principal at Liberty High School for three years, Mr. Napolitano will start his new position July 5.

He will earn $93,000 annually.

“It’s always been a personal goal of mine to become a principal,” Mr. Napolitano said. “I really enjoy being in a leadership role. I think it’s a good fit for me. I think it’s important to get out of my comfort zone.”

He has big shoes to fill, replacing 24-year Principal Ruth Nelson, who will retire at the end of the month.

Mr. Napolitano believes his experience as a high school teacher will help him lead a Warrenton building full of sixth- through eighth-graders and their teachers.

Middle schoolers “are very impressionable, and it’s a time to make positive impressions on them,” he said.

His goals include “establishing positive relationships” with staff, students, parents and community members.

Mr. Napolitano taught physical education in Fairfax County elementary schools 12 years before coming to Liberty as an assistant principal in 2014.

He holds two master’s degrees in education and a bachelor’s degree in physical education.

Born and raised on Long Island, N.Y., Mr. Napolitano said his own teachers and coaches inspired him to pursue a career in education.

He chose the career “ultimately to help develop other strong leaders. We need to make sure we are providing innovative, engaging, empowering instruction to students.”

He brings an “innovative-type mindset” to the job, “continually trying to improve and strive to be better even when you’re great.”

“I think he really represented the best fit for Taylor Middle,” Superintendent David Jeck said. “Nick has established himself as an impactful assistant principal. He’s very forward-thinking and a very strong leader. We thought he represented the best needs for that school and that school community.”

The Taylor Middle principal position drew 24 applications.

A 12-member committee — composed of teachers, parents, and administrators from Taylor Middle and the school system — interviewed seven candidates on May 24.

Dr. Jeck interviewed Mr. Napolitano on May 31 before making his recommendation to the school board.