Ann Bonitatibus, principal of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, will leave her role at the magnet school and accept a position in the human resources department for Fairfax County Public Schools next month.
Bonitatibus, who has led Thomas Jefferson High School since 2017, will become the school system’s Department of Human Resources Director of Talent Acquisition, the Fairfax County Public Schools said, adding that the role is critical “to recruit world-class staff to FCPS.”
The school system released the following statement:
“Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is grateful to Ann Bonitatibus for her years of dedication and thoughtful leadership as the principal of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). Dr. Bonitatibus, who became principal of TJHSST in 2017, will leave the highly acclaimed magnet school next month to become the division’s Department of Human Resources Director of Talent Acquisition. The critical role involves leading efforts to recruit world-class staff to FCPS.”
A nationwide search will be undertaken to find the school’s next principal.
“Dr. Bonitatibus’ expertise, unquestionable professionalism, and dedication to the students of Fairfax County is unparalleled,” said Michelle Reid, superintendent of FCPS. “I am thankful for her incredible leadership at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.”
In her letter to the Thomas Jefferson community, Bonitatibus said she had previously worked in California and Maryland in central office roles, including as a superintendent. “I chose the principalship at TJ because it was the right time for me to reconnect directly with students, teachers, and parents in a school setting. I now look forward to returning to a district leadership role.”
She also talked about strengthening the social and emotional health of students, the Challenge Success program where students manage expectations, and about developing new courses, including Bioinformatics and Ethnic Studies at the school.
“I have developed a deep fondness for TJ. Drawing from over 1,300 square miles of Northern Virginia, TJ is a home away from home where we build community and family. We celebrate our students’ achievements, honor our diversity, inspire STEM enthusiasts, and continually give back to others,” she wrote.
“I am grateful to our entire TJ family for your partnership and support over the years. You have been a constant source of inspiration. We have all shared an unwavering commitment to educational excellence and the best interests of our student scholars. I consider my time with you a privilege and an honor,” she wrote, adding “I am confident FCPS leadership will appoint a new principal that will bring TJ to the next level of greatness.”
The change at Thomas Jefferson comes as the prestigious school slipped from No. 5 to No. 14 in the U.S. News & World Report national high school rankings. The school remains in the No. 1 spot for Virginia schools, and last year ranked as our top high school.
Bonitatibus headed Thomas Jefferson during a tumulous time as the admissions policy to the school changed, prompting a three-year legal battle as parents sued claiming discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year upheld the revised policy.
Feature image Ann Bonitatibus by Michael Butcher
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