NYS high school 'Principal of the Year' is in the Bronx at Clinton High School

Pierre Orbe, principal at DeWitt Clinton High School, 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.)

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 at the National Association of Secondary School Principals where they 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 percent," Orbe recalled. "College readiness sat at a mere 28 percent and only 34 percent of students enrolled in college or postsecondary programs within six months of graduating."

He noted the school was also known as "one of the most dangerous in New York City," at the time.

Under his leadership, the school was completely transformed.

"Graduation rates have reached as high as 97 percent, college readiness has more than doubled to 60 percent and college enrollment has surged to 65 percent," Orbe said. "The percentage of students successfully completing approved college or career preparatory courses and exams has skyrocketed from 22 percent to 91 percent, 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 explained. "Therefore, we include students in planning decisions through weekly meetings with me, their principal and representatives from every grade level."

Beyond student voice, Orbe empowered teachers as well by creating teacher leader positions that allow staff to design assessments, unit plans and model lesson plans to support curriculum planning. By fostering a culture where educators take ownership of their craft, Clinton has built a collaborative and data-driven instructional model that ensures all students receive the support they need.

"He initiated a collaborative effort with assistant principals and teacher leaders to analyze data using the DataWise Inquiry process,” Assistant Principal, Jennifer Lovejoy said.

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 percent to more than double in both ELA and Math.

"By fostering a safe and supportive environment, [Orbe] has created a school where students take an active role in their education." Lovejoy added. "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 also recognize Orbe’s leadership and effort.

"He has provided all students with an equal opportunity to succeed,” Estrella said, a parent of a student who was identified only by her first name. “He offers many programs and after-school clubs that keep our children engaged and focused on a brighter future."

Orbe earned his bachelor's degree from Drew University, his master's degree in education from NYU and is currently in the process of completing his doctorate in educational leadership from Russell Sage College, expected to graduate 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 the School Administrators Association of NYS annual awards celebration on May 2 at the Desmond Hotel in Crown Plaza, Albany.

“Orbe's leadership effectively changed the school's narrative from danger to hope and growth,” Social Studies teacher, Rafel Erazo said. “His commitment to firm discipline, care and high standards revitalized DeWitt Clinton High School, making his nomination for Principal of the Year well-deserved.”