Schools

Williams Eager to 'Make a Difference' at BHS

The new principal of Bolingbrook High School invites the community to attend an Aug. 15 'Meet & Greet' at the high school's library.

Editor's Note: The following is a release from the Valley View School District.

Fabby Williams has some big shoes to fill.

After all, the new  principal is following in the footsteps of Jim Mitchem, of the Valley View School District.

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“I think working with a large number of people in any situation can be challenging, but the fact that we all have a common goal which is doing what is in the best interest of all students and student achievement makes the difference,” Williams said. “Dr. Mitchem and I realize that while this school is a great place where teaching and learning is taking place, and wonderful things are being done to educate all of our students, there is always room for continual growth.

“It will be an honor to work with the dedicated educators at BHS as well as all stake holders as we strive to take all of our students to new heights in their educational careers,” he added.

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Williams, who has invited the community to a “Meet and Greet” event from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 15 in the BHS library, brings with him 12 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the highly regarded Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district in North Carolina and a year as Principal of Austin PolyTech Academy in Chicago. He readily admits he’s excited to be a part of VVSD.

“I see a district whose philosophy is similar to home,” he said, referring to Charlotte where he lived since he was a senior in high school. “The community is involved. It’s all about the kids. It’s all about student achievement. I get the sense this is clearly somewhere where I want to work until I retire. This is a place where I can raise my family.”

After graduating from Winthrop University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, Williams launched his career as the supervisor of an adult education program for the Charlotte Housing Authority.

“I soon realized I could make a bigger difference working with younger people,” he said.

In 1999 he joined the staff of East Mecklenburg High School as a special education teacher in a self contained classroom and within a year or two began thinking about the possibility of being an administrator.

“I didn’t want to take the traditional route, though,” he recalled. “I wanted to get every aspect of education.”

So he pursued a Master’s degree in school guidance at Winthrop and became a guidance counselor, first at East Mecklenburg and later at West Charlotte High School. Following completion of a second Master’s Degree in educational administration, he moved on to become Assistant Principal at East Mecklenburg and eventually Principal at the district’s Garinger Business and Finance High School, with an interim stop as Area Administrator for Student Services for the district.

Williams’ outstanding record of turning around poor-performing schools in Charlotte attracted the attention of Chicago Public Schools officials who recruited him a year ago to serve as Principal at Austin where he lead a successful effort to improve student and teacher performance.

Now he’s bringing that successful track record to BHS.

“I’m about results,” Williams said. “Failing has never been an option for me. They’re all my kids as far as I’m concerned. And I want my kids to show growth.”

Williams promises he’ll be visible and available.

“I want our parents and community to feel comfortable here. This is their school,” he said. “We want everyone to be a part of the educational process because we can’t do this without them.”


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