Getting to Know Our Acting Principal Mr. Yates

As Montgomery Blair High School prepares for a new academic year, it welcomes Kevin Yates as acting principal. Following the retirement of principal Renay Johnson, who led Blair for 13 years, the role of acting principal opened, and Yates is an excellent choice to take on the job. With 30 years of experience in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Yates has held various roles, including magnet program coordinator, assistant principal, and principal. He is stepping into this new position with a reputation for strong leadership and a focus on student engagement.

Yates' leadership at Damascus High School, where he served as principal from 2019 to 2024, was praised for his active involvement with the school community. "Mr. Yates is by far my favorite principal. He truly enjoys being around students and brings energy to everything he does," says Joanne Aellen, a board member with the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) at Damascus High School. "Blair is very lucky to have him."

Known for his lighthearted and humorous approach, Yates has a natural ability to connect with students and staff alike. Aellen recalls a personal story her daughter, a recent Damascus High School graduate, shared about Yates' charismatic personality. "My daughter would be sitting in class doing her work, and suddenly, Mr. Yates would come on the speaker singing a song," she recounts. "He just seems to know everybody, and his presence is felt throughout the school."

Aellen adds, "Mr. Yates was not only physically, but also emotionally present at everything. He would talk to everybody, speak to students in the halls all the time, attend events, and even go out with the band. His engagement with the community is truly remarkable."

Yates’ ability to navigate the complexities of the school system has also set him apart as a leader who gets things done. "He's the first principal who, when we brought up issues, didn't just say 'We can't do anything about that...' within six months, things would change," Aellen recalls. "His knowledge of how everything works in the system is a huge benefit to Blair."

Yates' Plans for Blair

Yates’ vision for Blair centers on maintaining the school’s traditions of academic excellence while fostering a supportive and engaged community. He plans to be visible and accessible, present in the hallways, classrooms, and at school events. "My vision is to ensure that every student feels they have a trusted adult at Blair and that they are successful and engaged in their learning," Yates explains. "I want Blair to be a place where students and staff feel happy and want to be."

Adam Saltzman, an assistant principal at Damascus High School, highlights Yates' dedication to building a strong school community. "Mr. Yates was everywhere all the time and did everything with 100% effort. He genuinely cared about his school community, from playing cymbals with the band, cheering in the stands at events, to giving staff and students wise financial advice,” Saltzman shares.

Yates is also ready to tackle some of Blair's challenges, including chronic absenteeism. He believes that consistent attendance is crucial for student success and is determined to implement strategies that encourage students to be present and engaged. "Addressing absenteeism is a priority," Yates states. "We need to create an environment where students want to be here every day."

At Damascus High School, Yates was known for his uplifting and inclusive leadership style. Sarah Fitzgerald, another assistant principal at Damascus, notes Yates' ability to connect with everyone in the school. "His enthusiasm and compassion are contagious. Mr. Yates made a significant impact on our community by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment," Fitzgerald says. "Blair is incredibly fortunate to have him."

Saltzman further praises Yates for his dedication to continuous learning and improvement. "Mr. Yates was always learning and growing, from listening to podcasts to reading books… he always looked for ways to improve practices to ensure students are benefiting from what school staff do," Saltzman adds that Yates' strong organizational skills helped him establish effective routines and practices for communication with students, staff, and families. "Mr. Yates placed a priority on how we communicated with students and families. Obtaining data from all stakeholders and using this to drive the school's work was a major part of his leadership style…this will be essential as he transitions to his new role at Blair High School," Saltzman says.

Yates plans to bring some successful Damascus initiatives to Blair, including promoting physical activity and wellness. Known for riding his bike around the school during open lunch periods or after school hours on trails near the school, Yates encouraged students to stay active by leading by example. "He's always advocating for a healthy lifestyle," Aellen mentions. "He encourages both students and staff to find activities they enjoy and add them into their daily lives."

The Transition to Acting Principal

To ensure a smooth transition, Yates has been working closely with former principal Renay Johnson and interim principal Adriana Burgos. He has already attended PTSA meetings and walked the halls of Blair to familiarize himself with the school's environment and traditions. The PTSA serves as a vital link among parents, teachers, and students, aiming to create a school community that enhances the educational experience. "I want to make sure that the transition is seamless and that the great traditions and academic success under Ms. Johnson's leadership continue," Yates says. "I look forward to collaborating with the students, staff, and parents to build a strong school community."

Blair’s search for a permanent principal has been delayed due to several candidates withdrawing their applications, a challenge many other MCPS schools are also facing. Despite conducting several interview panels, the process slowed significantly, leading the school to pause the search temporarily. However, Yates’ appointment ensures continuity and stability while the search continues during the 2024-2025 school year.

Looking Ahead

As Blair High School prepares for the upcoming school year, the community can expect an engaged and energetic leader in Kevin Yates. His commitment to student success and community building will be key in navigating this period of transition. With Yates as acting principal, Blair is poised to continue its tradition of excellence while fostering a supportive school environment. And who knows? Maybe we'll even spot him riding his bike during lunch!