2008-2009 Distinguished Educational Leadership Award
Terry DeCarbo, Principal of Independent Hill School and PACE East School, has been selected as the Prince William County winner of “The Washington Post” Distinguished Educational Leadership Award and as Prince William County Principal of the Year. He is one of 19 principals throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area recognized for creating exceptional educational environments. A committee of parents, teachers, administrators, and other school employees chose DeCarbo from among five outstanding principals nominated by their school communities.
Terry DeCarbo is best known in the county as a principal who took a struggling school and turned it into an opportunity for students who needed an alternative approach to educational excellence. In his 17 years as a principal in Prince William County, DeCarbo has overseen up to three schools at one time (Ann Ludwig, Independent Hill, and the PACE East program). He completely rebuilt the PACE East program from the ground up, including infrastructure and curriculum, forming a World-Class Environment for students and staff. His courage to confront challenges has resulted in more PACE students passing the mandatory 11th-grade research paper and the Virginia Standards of Learning tests. Students who may not have earned a high school diploma at their base school have gone on to graduate from PACE, pursue higher education, join the military, and hold full-time jobs.
According to his staff members, DeCarbo is an empowering principal, developing an environment where staff is encouraged to make decisions and offer input. He has been described as “clearly being a member of the team,” of many others who provide educational and support services to students. His willingness to help students, staff, and parents has no limits, says a nominator. DeCarbo is a “hands-on leader” and is always available and accessible to every member of his school community.
His nominators say DeCarbo is passionate about finding a win-win opportunity for staff and students in any difficult situation. They say that he clearly articulates his vision and expectations for students and staff, and has ultimate trust in his teachers. He has designed an environment where teachers discover that the greatest challenges result in the greatest rewards. DeCarbo leads by example, always maintaining a calm and professional demeanor. His low-key leadership style sets the staff at ease and they feel very comfortable seeking his guidance and counsel. He encourages every staff member to be creative in meeting the special needs of their students.
DeCarbo earned his Bachelor of Science in special education from Duquesne University. He holds a master’s degree in special education from Slippery Rock University where he also earned a post-graduate license, receiving his endorsement in Administration/Supervision. DeCarbo began his career in Phoenix before joining Prince William County Schools in 1991 as principal of PACE East School. In 2001, he was appointed principal of Independent Hill School in addition to his role at PACE East, and in 2004, Ann Ludwig School was also added to his supervision. He currently serves as principal of Independent Hill School and PACE East. Ceremony Highlights
