UPDATE: New TJ Principal a 'Fortunate' Find, Educators Say

Evan Glazer, 34, has been director of Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology. (Virginia Public Schools)

The search is over for a new principal at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Northern Virginia's elite magnet school.

A former math teacher and director of a governor's school in Roanoke has been hired as principal. Evan Glazer, 34, director of the Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology, will begin work July 1 at Thomas Jefferson, which is in Fairfax County.

Glazer will replace Elizabeth Lodal, who is retiring next month after heading the school for six years.

Glazer, who has written extensively on technology in education, has a doctorate in instructional technology from the University of Georgia and a master's degree in mathematics education from the University of Illinois. He has been director of the Roanoke school since 2003.

Fairfax educators said Glazer's expertise in math and technology, combined with his administrative experience, made him the ideal candidate to head the school. Thomas Jefferson, a highly respected magnet school, attracts the brightest students from across Northern Virginia who compete for admission.

"Dr. Glazer brings to this new position the scholarly background, pedagogical expertise and managerial skill and experience that this position requires," said Fairfax School Superintendent Jack D. Dale. "We are fortunate to be able to bring him to Fairfax."

Glazer comes to Jefferson as the school has been working to increase enrollment of black and Hispanic students. A new admissions policy was put in place in 2004 to increase minority enrollment. At the time, some parents worried that the change would lower the school's standards.

In addition, some parents have expressed concern that the school is watering down its math and technology focus. And in recent months, Lodal generated controversy after making a remark in which she linked ethnicity to stealing and cheating by some students.

Glazer, who also serves on the board of Virginia Governor's School Directors, said he understands the benefits and challenges of running a magnet school.

"The transition for me is natural because I'm familiar with a school with a mission dedicated to science, technology and research," Glazer said. "Jefferson is just a terrific school, and it's quite a privilege and opportunity to lead a group of talented students and teachers."

Once he begins work, Glazer said, he'll meet with teachers, staff, students, parents and corporate partners.

"The most important thing for me to do first is to really get to know the people and understand their culture and values," he said. "I think fundamental to being a school leader is developing strong relations with the people who do the great things in the school."

School Board member Kaye Kory (Mason) said the district was lucky to find a qualified replacement so quickly.

"He's a man with a lot of energy, valuable experience and great contacts that will help us take TJ to the next level," Kory said.

-- Maria Glod