A new principal has been named by the City of Manassas school board for Osbourn High School.
According to a release, Joseph Gabalski has been selected for the role.
The decision comes on the heels of former Osbourn principal Cathy Benner being fired, following two months of paid administrative leave.
“Mr. Gabalski has had impressive experiences that focus on developing strategies to drive student achievement, staff accountability, and the overall success of the high school environment. His educational background will be a tremendous asset to Osbourn High School and our community,” stated Manassas Superintendent of Schools Catherine Magouyrk in a release.
Osbourn High School has approximately 2,200 students, grades 9 through 12.
More on Gabalski, from a release:
Gabalski has served as an assistant principal for Loudoun County Public Schools since 2007; first at Stone Bridge High School for seven years and at Freedom High School for three years. In addition to his time in Loudoun County, Gabalski also completed his administrative internship and served as an International Baccalaureate (IB) music and theater teacher at Stonewall Jackson High School in Prince William County from 2001-2006.
Development of student leaders is dear to Gabalksi’s heart and he hopes to continue that passion at Osbourn. He had the opportunity to work closely with the Virginia High School League’s Leadership Conference, an event that brought over 1,000 student leaders and advisors together to foster their leadership skills. Additionally, he believes facilitating a successful transition into high school for ninth-grade students is necessary to ensure their continued success.
“I am looking forward to working with students and staff in these areas to further support student achievement at Osbourn,” Gabalski said. “Building a school culture that seeks to impact students in a positive manner is equally important.”
A native of New York, Gabalski has lived in the City of Manassas since 2001 and enjoys its culture. “My two daughters attend Manassas City Public Schools so I have seen the good work that has been done here,” he said. “I welcome this opportunity to be a part of the leadership team that continues to move the schools forward in a positive way where student learning and success are the goals.”
Gabalski will begin his new assignment on July 3rd. Osbourn will host a welcome reception for the new principal prior to the start of school.
Gabalski holds bachelor’s degrees in legal studies and organ performance from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a master’s degree in organ performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, advanced certification in music education from Roberts Wesleyan College and educational leadership certification from George Mason University.
