Kim Retzer Named New SLHS Principal

Kim Retzer, a former teacher and assistant principal, was named principal at the school on Thursday. 

Retzer, who spent 13 years at South Lakes, was an assistant principal at during the 2011-12 school year.

Retzer, 40, is a 1989 graduate of South Lakes. Retzer earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Government and Politics at George Mason University, her Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction for Secondary Education at George Mason University, and her Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Administration and Supervision at the University of Virginia.  

Retzer began her career in Fairfax County Public Schools as a special education teacher at South Lakes High School, where she also served as department chair.  She left South Lakes to serve in the Department of Special Services as the Emotional and Learning Disabilities Specialist for Secondary Schools and the SOL/Summer School Specialist.

In 2005, Restzer returned to South Lakes as an assistant principal, where she supervised the implementation of major school initiatives including the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP), the Professional Development School (PDS) partnership with George Mason University, and parent programs for our Hispanic and Arabic families.

At South Lakes, she most recently was AP for the Class of 2013.

"I have big shoes to fill," Retzer said after she was introduced to South Lakes staff Thursday morning. "Most of my administrative career I trained under Bruce, so I feel I am well prepared. I am absolutely thrilled to be here - South Lakes is home." 

Butler calls Retzer "one of the strongest instructional leaders I have ever worked with."

"I will rest very easy thinking about the direction of the school and its continued growth," said Butler. "Kim Retzer is the perfect person to continue that mission."

Fabio Zuluaga, the FCPS Cluster VII Superintendent, said some of Retzer's strengths include her strong foundation in the International Baccalaureate program and her proven ability as an assistant principal.

"She is one of the top APs in Cluster VII," said Zuluaga said of Retzer. "She understands how teachers come toghether to collaborate. She knows the Reston family so well. She knows the culture and traditions here and has been part of the process that has totally transformed South Lakes."