Former SLHS Principal Butler Has New Job Nearby

Bruce Butler, the former principal of South Lakes High School, has a new job: Interim principal at Langley High School.

Butler replaces Matt Ragone, who took over as principal at South County High School in late November. South County’s longtime principal Jane Lipp was named FCPS’ assistant superintendent for special services earlier this year.

Butler was principal at South Lakes High School from 2005 to 2012. Prior to that he was an assistant principal at SLHS for seven years.

In 2012, Butler retired after 31 years in the school system.

FCPS awarded him the Nancy F. Sprague First-Year Administrator Award and named him 2007 Outstanding First-Year Principal by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Butler was a fixture in the halls of SLHS and at extracurricular activities. He also saw the school through a multimillion dollar renovation and sometimes contentious redistricting battle.

The school population grew to more than 2,100 students during Butler’s tenure, and test scores and achievement also rose.

South Lakes gives out a Bruce Butler Leadership Award each spring to a graduating senior who shows outstanding leadership, scholarship and service.

Photo: Bruce Butler at community sendoff in 2012/File photo