New GMHS Principal Has Long-Time Experience in Arlington

Tyrone Q. Byrd has been appointed principal of George Mason High School.  Currently the assistant principal at Washington-Lee in Arlington, Mr. Byrd will assume his new duties on April 6.

“Ty Byrd possesses all of the qualities that are important for a high school principal to have,” Superintendent Lois Berlin said, following his formal appointment by the School Board on March 10.  “In addition to academic leadership, strong relationships and keen problem-solving skills, he brings to Falls Church City a broad range of educational experience and an understanding of the rich, diverse needs of our community.”

Colleagues at Washington-Lee describe Mr. Byrd as a fair but firm, no-nonsense administrator who relates well with both faculty and students.  His tenure as an Arlington County educator dates to 1991, when he was hired as a classroom assistant at Yorktown High School.  He also has served as the in-school alternative program teacher, as a special education teacher, and as the football coach at Yorktown.  His administrative career began in 2002 when he was appointed assistant principal of Williamsburg Middle School.  He became the assistant principal of Washington-Lee in 2006.

An area resident since 1977, Mr. Byrd attended Arlington County schools and graduated from Yorktown.  He  holds a bachelor’s degree in art from Hampton University, credentials to serve as a special education teacher from the University of Virginia, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from George Mason University.

Mr. Byrd’s appointment ends a 10-month search for the school’s new leader.   Assistant Principal Mary McDowell was appointed interim principal for the 2008-2009 school year after Bob Snee announced his retirement last May.  He will become the 14th principal of George Mason since the school opened in 1952.

Mr. Byrd and his wife, Kim, are parents of a five-year-old daughter.  They reside in the Falls Church area with their three dogs.