Litz steps up as new principal; fills big shoes

Chloe Pignano / Rank & File
Mr. Pearson poses for photos with Mr. Litz and his family. Litz will replace Pearson as principal starting the 2014-2015 school year.

Just months after being awarded the 2014 title of FCPS Principal of the year, Principal Jay W. Pearson announced his career change to Executive Principal at the county level. Jeff Litz, previously Marshall’s vice principal, will take his place this coming school year.

“I came here as an IB coordinator with Ms. Shewchuk,” Litz said, citing his beginnings as a biology and chemistry teacher, as well as the science department chair, at Mt. Vernon High.

With 19 years of experience in the educational field, Litz has been a member of the community since 2007.

Litz will also be taking the place of Dan Daus, who stood in as interim principal during the interregnum.

“It was such a quick transition,” Daus, now Marshall’s vice principal, said about his brief turn as Pearson’s stand-in. “I was confident because I just had so many great people around.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Fabio Zuluaga spearheaded the selection process.

“He has incredible knowledge about the programs at Marshall High,” said Zuluaga of Litz. “He treats people with amazing respect. During the interview I just knew.”