Anonymous wrote:Consider yourself lucky.

He is the best principal in FCPS

Very unfortunate for WSHS.

I think they are doing it on purpose. They are looking to redistrict parts of WSHS to Lewis. So they bring in a horrible principal for the boundary switch and try to get people to go to Lewis.

Works out great for Gatehouse.

The best part is in the email they had to make sure to talk of the former failed principals fake promotion to gatehouse! Lmao "following Dr. Ann Bonitatibus' promotion to a central office position."

Here is a better article calling out how awful the previous tj principal was pushing racial quotas causing TJ to fall form #1 in the nation to 14. More info on the new principal and an endorsement from the Republican nominee fellow classmate https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/fcps-selects-tjhsst-alum-michael-mukai-to-be-new-principal/article_675df76c-cee9-11ef-9b2a-ab958f33eb91.html

Letter from gatehouse:

January 9, 2025

Dear FCPS Community,

I am writing today with exciting news regarding the future leadership of TJHSST.

As you know, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) launched a nationwide search for a new principal earlier this fall
After several weeks of extensive and diligent consideration of numerous highly-qualified candidates, we are delighted to share that we have found an exceptional leader - and TJHSST alum - close to home. Michael Mukai has accepted the position and will begin later this month. Mukai has been the principal of West Springfield High School since 2014, and has held a variety of FCPS school-based positions since 1995 when he began his career as a math and science teacher. He has also coached wrestling and volleyball.

In a full circle moment, Mukai was in the very first class of TJHSST when it converted to a magnet STEM school in 1985. He majored in Chemistry at Virginia Tech and he has a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction, Math Education also from Virginia Tech. He has also completed post-master's graduate work in the Sociology of Scientific Knowledge through the Department of Science Technology and Society of Virginia Tech.

During the recruitment process, Mukai impressed all with his passion for TJHSST, his innovative vision for the future, and his track record of elevating academic excellence.

His many accomplishments at WSHS include:

Significant gains in advanced academic access and success which has resulted in gold recognition by the College Board for the AP School Honor Roll.

Increasing the number of students recognized through the National Merit Scholarship program.

Cappies recognitions for theater arts, honor band recognitions, Virginia Music Educators Association recognitions, district, region, and state championships in Virginia High School League athletics and activities.

Thank you for your continued support of FCPS.

Dr. Geovanny Ponce
Chief of Schools

Anonymous wrote:Former classmate of accomplished VA politician Hung Cao.

Cautiously optimistic about this new TJ principal.

Cao was not ‘89.

Everyone would do well to remember that TJ’s principal and administration still has absolutely no role in the development or execution of the admissions process or its priorities.

Consider yourself lucky.

He is the best principal in FCPS

Very unfortunate for WSHS.

I found this fascinating article about his family, from 2017:

https://theoracleonline.org/features/2017/04/20/the-mukais-through-the-ages/

Anonymous wrote:Ugh. They could have done so much better. WSHS is not anywhere close to the caliber of TJ. What a disappointment.

Can you be more stupid?

Former classmate of accomplished VA politician Hung Cao.

Cautiously optimistic about this new TJ principal.

Anonymous wrote:Ugh. They could have done so much better. WSHS is not anywhere close to the caliber of TJ. What a disappointment.

Neither is any other school. What a worthless comment.

So they just leave West Springfield with no principal?

Excellent choice. As an alum of TJ’s first graduating class (‘89), he has been local to Northern Virginia and has seen its entire history firsthand. FCPS did very well here in bringing in a person who understands the positives and negatives of TJ’s culture over the last 35 years.

Critically, as a former TJ football player (and I believe wrestler), he fully understands the importance of activities and athletics in the total student experience.

Ugh. They could have done so much better. WSHS is not anywhere close to the caliber of TJ. What a disappointment.

He majored in chemistry, which is promising. I asked for someone with STEM background.

Anonymous wrote:West Springfield has been a well run school. I'd think that this is a good choice for TJ.

+1

West Springfield has been a well run school. I'd think that this is a good choice for TJ.

https://www.fcps.edu/news/student-principal-michael-mukai-comes-full-circle-new-leader-thomas-jefferson-high-school


Anyone know anything about him?