Date:  November 26, 2001
Contact: Irene Cromer
(703) 791-8720

 
Edward Doyle, Principal of New Dominion Alternative School since 1991, has been selected as the Prince William County Principal of the Year and as the recipient of the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award.  A committee of parents, teachers, administrators, and other school employees selected Doyle from among three principals nominated by their school communities for the awards.  The other nominees are Jo Fitzgerald, Principal of Lake Ridge Middle School, and Barry Rosenberg, Principal of Swans Creek Elementary School.
Doyle will receive a plaque from the School Board at the board’s regular meeting on Wednesday, November 28 at 6 p.m.

 Doyle has been Principal of New Dominion Alternative School since 1991.  The school serves students who have had difficulty at regular middle and high schools.  “If Dr. Doyle had not been at New Dominion, I would not be in high school today,” a student says.  “Dr. Doyle is always a positive and sincere role model…He is a leader whose attitude is always ‘think like a champion, act like a champion, and become a champion.’”

 “Dr. Doyle’s introduction of a student agenda book and parent call policy has made New Dominion one of the more ‘parent friendly’ schools in Prince William County,” says New Dominion administrator Dave Hoge.  “Teachers in all subjects and grades are required to write a message home for each student every day.  Parents are asked to read the agenda book, sign it and write their own questions and comments.  In addition, teachers at New Dominion call each student’s parents a minimum of once a week.  Parents leaving a message for a teacher in the morning are guaranteed a response that day.”

An effective fiscal manager, Doyle has encouraged staff to be “grant-savvy educators.  As a result, his staff has brought in nearly $1,000,000 during his tenure,” say his nominators.  The funds have been used for curriculum enrichment and staff development programs, and have provided educational software, among other purposes.

In 1997, Doyle led New Dominion into the new territory of service learning.  The school has had over 13 community partners in service learning, including the Rainbow Riding Academy and the Birmingham Green long-term care facility.  Students have also been involved in environmental cleanup projects and archaeological digs, and mentor special education students.

Earlier this year, New Dominion was selected as a National Leader School for Service Learning.  On November 9, the school received the 2001 Governor’s Community Service Award for an Outstanding National Service Program. 

Prior to joining Prince William County Public Schools, Doyle spent ten years as Principal of Croom High School in Upper Marlboro, MD.  The University of Wisconsin selected Croom as one of nine nationally acclaimed programs for its work with at-risk youth while Doyle was Principal.

 Doyle earned a D. Ed. from the University of Maryland.  He has taught English, science and social studies and served as a counselor and special education supervisor.