District 10 Leader Honored as NYS High School Principal of the Year

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Pierre Orbe

ALBANY, NY (03/19/2025) (readMedia)-- Pierre Orbe, principal at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, has been selected as the 2025 New York State High School Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is given annually to a high school principal who has set the pace, character, and quality of education for students in their school. Orbe will also represent New York State as the NASSP NYS High School Principal of the Year, sponsored by SAANYS' national affiliate, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). NASSP will select the National High School Principal of the Year from all state finalists.

When Orbe took the helm at DeWitt Clinton High School in 2017, the Bronx institution was struggling-both academically and in terms of school culture. "Graduation rates were just 48%," Orbe recalls, "college readiness sat at a mere 28%, and only 34% of students enrolled in college or postsecondary programs within six months of graduating." He notes that at the time, the school was also known as "one of the most dangerous in New York City."

Today, under Orbe's leadership, the school has been completely transformed. "Graduation rates have reached as high as 97%, college readiness has more than doubled to 60%, and college enrollment has surged to 65%," he says. "The percentage of students successfully completing approved college or career preparatory courses and exams has skyrocketed from 22% to 91%, which shows how far we've come in creating a culture of academic excellence and postsecondary readiness."

Orbe attributes this remarkable turnaround to a deep commitment to student voice, instructional excellence, and leadership development. "We recognize that we cannot effectively serve every student without considering their input," he explains. "Therefore, we include students in planning decisions through weekly meetings with me, their principal, with representatives from every grade level." He adds, "These student insights are central and presented to teachers during professional development, with actionable suggestions."

Beyond student voice, Orbe has empowered teachers as well. "We have created teacher leader positions that allow staff to design assessments, unit plans, and model lesson plans to support curriculum planning," he says. "Additionally, these leaders guide the professional development of their departments, ensuring their voices are heard throughout the school and directly influencing how we support student learning." By fostering a culture where educators take ownership of their craft, DeWitt Clinton has built a collaborative and data-driven instructional model that ensures all students receive the support they need.

Assistant Principal Lovejoy recalls Orbe's impact upon his arrival at DeWitt Clinton: "He initiated a collaborative effort with assistant principals and teacher leaders to analyze data using the DataWise Inquiry Process. This approach led to a marked increase in Regents scores, encouraging teachers to use data to inform instruction. As a result, Regents scores improved dramatically, rising from below 35% to about 75% in both ELA and Math."

Lovejoy also highlights the school's cultural transformation: "By fostering a safe and supportive environment, he has created a school where students take an active role in their education." She adds, "Through the initiatives he has created, Orbe has effectively led learning and positioned students for success, fulfilling his promise to make their classroom experiences more relevant and engaging."

Parent Estrella praises Orbe's commitment to equity, saying, "He has provided all students with an equal opportunity to succeed. He offers many programs and after-school clubs that keep our children engaged and focused on a brighter future."

Social Studies Teacher Erazo underscores the school's extraordinary transformation under Orbe's leadership. "DeWitt Clinton High School went from being the #1 most dangerous school in New York City to a safe, supportive environment," he says. "Orbe's leadership effectively changed the school's narrative from danger to hope and growth. His commitment to firm discipline, care, and high standards revitalized DeWitt Clinton High School, making his nomination for NASSP Principal of the Year well-deserved and emblematic of his transformative impact on the school community."

Orbe earned his bachelor's degree from Drew University, his master's degree in education from New York University, and is currently in the process of completing his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Russell Sage College, expected in 2026. He also holds a School Administrator/Supervisor and School District Leader Certification from the College of St. Rose.

Orbe and fellow 2025 award winners will be recognized at SAANYS' annual awards celebration on May 2 at the Desmond Hotel – Crown Plaza in Albany, New York.

SAANYS represents nearly 22,000 school administrators, supervisors, and retirees. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to its members in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).