The Region 2 office is pleased to announce Mr. Michael Astudillo, current Assistant Principal at McNair Upper Elementary School, has been named the new principal of Columbia Elementary School.  His official start date will be July 1, 2021. 

Mr. Astudillo is well-equipped to serve in this capacity, as he has served as an assistant principal for 7 years at McNair ES and at Chantilly HS in VA.  During his tenure as an assistant principal, Mr. Astudillo has worked alongside the current principal to open the new McNair Upper ES campus, including collaborating with the FCPS school board and various FCPS central office personnel in design and construction, communications and community relations, information technology, and human resources management.  He led the development of peer, group, and community mentoring programs with a focus on equity by eliminating gaps in opportunity and access for diverse groups of students. Mr. Astudillo created the Latino Leaders are Readers intervention program to close the achievement gap for an underperforming subgroup. Additionally, he supervised multiple grade levels, special education, and counselors while conducting evaluations and overseeing instruction at McNair Upper ES. We are impressed by the institution of the S.M.I.L.E. incentive award program, including positive phone calls home from administration, that highlighted student demonstration of character strengths from the Positivity Project.

McNair ES served as an Advanced Academics Level IV center, provided Pre-School special education and FECEP/Head Start classrooms, and had a budding mentoring program. Mr. Astudillo worked closely with PTA Leadership to create Hispanic Family nights to encourage and increase participation, attendance, and support for the school from underrepresented subgroups.  He leveraged funding from new business partners, local rotary clubs and not-for-profit organizations such as “She believes in me” to support the STEAM lab, student groups, school activities, and donations for families in need.  Additionally, he served as the school testing coordinator for all school-wide assessments.

Throughout the community engagement process, the region leadership team heard the need for a school leader who can foster a welcoming culture that values diversity and inclusion for all students. Mr. Astudillo describes himself as a ‘culture builder’ and his current principal describes him as an incredible communicator who “connects with people, builds strong relationships and always sees the good in people.”

By every measure an outstanding fit and match for Columbia.  He is an alum of Columbia and the Annandale pyramid.  He knows the neighborhoods, the community, and academic path our students are on. He demonstrated an organizational management approach that is collaborative, team-based, equitable, evidence-based, and student-centered.  His consistent characterization of himself as "Lead Learner" rather than simply "Leader" indicates a deeper consideration of the role he will play in the building and community. He clearly demonstrated an energy and enthusiasm for a "shoe-leather" approach to meet members of the community and students where they are, whether that is visiting homes/neighborhoods or understanding and tailoring an individual approach to a student's learning. He demonstrates an ability to see other's perspectives with empathy and humility. His professional experience further demonstrates a solid understanding of student progression through the FCPS system, but also the nuances and details of managing a building and environment. Finally, he clearly cares deeply about serving the community and brings a level-headed approach. 

Mike matches what the Columbia ES community wants in its next principal and his multiple experiences, proven track record of success, and inclusive/respectful approach make him an ideal match for this community. Mr. Astudillo has shared a vision for the school with region leadership and has the knowledge and experiences required to lead a school such as Columbia ES. He has a warm, caring, and friendly approach that will be an asset as to Fairfax County Public Schools.

Mr. Astudillo holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a Minor in Economics from Virginia Tech.  He also attained a Master of Science in Educational Administration from George Mason University and a Master of Science in Education, Career and Technical Education from Virginia Tech.

Please join the Region 2 office in welcoming Mr. Astudillo as the new principal of Columbia Elementary School.