Schools

Update: WSHS Principal to Become Program Director with FCPS

After 27 years in FCPS schools, Wardinski moves to the Office of Professional and Life Skills.

Paul A Wardinski, principal of since 2007, is leaving to become Director of the Office of Professional and Life Skills (OPLS) in the Instructional Services Department with Fairfax County Public Schools.  He begins his new position November 1.

In an email to parents and students, Wardinski wrote, "I have always preached that when a unique opportunity arises and one that lets you encompass your passion into your job—you need to jump on that opportunity, even if the timing is not great."

OPLS provides middle and high school students comprehensive course offerings through Career and Technical Education programs.

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wardinski joined Fairfax County Public Schools in August 1985 as a marketing teacher at Marshall High School.  He worked there as marketing teacher and assistant director of student activities through 1995.

During the 1995 – 96 school year, Wardinski taught the marketing SGA/leadership class at Fairfax High School.  The next school year, 1996 – 97, he moved to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology to serve as director of student activities.

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He returned in 1997 to Marshall High School to open The Marshall Academy, serving as its administrator until 2004. 

He became principal at McLean High School in 2004, and served there until becoming the principal of West Springfield in 2007.

Wardinski graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1981. He has a bachelor's degree in marketing education from Virginia Tech (1985), and a master's degree in school leadership from George Mason University (1995). 

Wardinski is known for wearing a Mickey Mouse tie everyday.  He said, for one, it reminds him to stay young in his thinking and acting.  He also said it reminds him of the visionary Walt Disney, and the vision needed in the field of education. “There are some pretty exciting things being discussed in the field of education, including 21st century skills, education 2.0, and standards based grading,” he wrote in his letter.  “ I want to be part of those bigger discussions and help shape the future of education in FCPS for years to come.  This position allows me to do just that.”     

Leslie Butz, Assistant Superintendent for Cluster VI, will be sending a letter to parents of WSHS students, explaining the principal hiring process and how they can have input.  “The goal for naming a new principal is the end of October, and I will remain here at WSHS until that point,” wrote Wardinski.

“It will be odd not to be in a school after 27 years, but I am excited for the new opportunities and challenges that await me,” Wardinski told Burke Patch.  “West Springfield is a truly amazing school to work at, and I leave here with many fond memories.”  


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here