Pierre Orbe’s career is a testament to what effective leadership can achieve, especially when faced with adversity. With over a decade of experience, including a pivotal role as Assistant Principal at Talent Unlimited and later as the Principal of DeWitt Clinton High School (DWCHS), Pierre has continuously demonstrated the ability to turn struggling schools into success stories. When he arrived at DWCHS—on the state closure list with a 46% graduation rate and less than 23% of students earning college credits—he knew that transforming the school would require more than just effort; it would require visionary leadership, a strategic focus on student outcomes, and building strong leadership teams. Under his leadership, DWCHS went from being on the brink of closure to boasting a 97% graduation rate and over 90% of students earning college credits by the class of 2023.
Through the ALAS Superintendent Leadership Program, Pierre Orbe refined his leadership skills and further solidified his ability to create lasting change. The program has not only enhanced his skills as a school leader but has given him the frameworks to tackle complex systemic issues and turn vision into reality.
Before assuming the principalship at DeWitt Clinton, Pierre spent over ten years as an Assistant Principal at Talent Unlimited High School, a position where he honed his leadership acumen and developed a keen understanding of what it takes to lead schools through challenging times. His decision to step into the role at DWCHS was not made lightly, but it was the perfect opportunity for him to demonstrate the impact of strategic, innovative leadership.
DWCHS was a school in crisis, grappling with low student performance and disengagement. Yet, Pierre saw this challenge not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to drive change. His strategic vision was simple yet powerful: create a culture of high expectations, professional growth, and community involvement.
One of the key takeaways from the ALAS Superintendent Leadership Program for Pierre was the program’s focus on data-driven leadership. Pierre has always relied on data to guide his decisions, but ALAS taught him how to leverage it in more meaningful ways to drive systematic change. Armed with this knowledge, Pierre was able to make informed decisions on everything from curriculum adjustments to professional development for his staff.
The turnaround at DWCHS is a direct result of Pierre’s strategic use of data. Under his leadership, DWCHS implemented a robust system for tracking student progress, which allowed faculty and administration to identify at-risk students early and provide the necessary support to help them succeed. The result was a substantial increase in student performance, and most notably, the impressive graduation rate.
Pierre’s success story is a reminder of how data and clear decision-making processes, when coupled with a strong leadership team, can completely turn around a school’s performance.
When Pierre arrived at DeWitt Clinton, he knew that the school needed more than just his leadership—it needed a team of strong, dedicated leaders who shared his vision and were committed to executing it. Drawing on the mentorship skills he developed through ALAS, Pierre quickly recognized the potential in his staff and began cultivating the next generation of school leaders.
Pierre’s ability to mentor new assistant principals has been one of the defining aspects of his leadership style. By creating a culture of shared leadership, Pierre empowered his team to take ownership of their respective areas, from curriculum to student support services, allowing for a more collaborative and effective school environment. The success of his school turnaround is in many ways a direct reflection of his ability to build and lead a high-performing team.
As a result of his guidance, Pierre’s leadership team is now able to carry the torch of improvement. This is evident in the successful launch of eight career and technical education (CTE) pathway programs, which are now certified, ensuring that DWCHS is preparing students for both higher education and the workforce.
Another key lesson Pierre Orbe took from the ALAS Superintendent Leadership Program was the importance of building strong partnerships with parents and guardians. One of the most striking improvements at DWCHS under Pierre’s leadership was the dramatic increase in parental involvement. Pierre recognized early on that to sustain long-term success, the school community needed to be united.
He implemented several initiatives designed to engage parents more directly in their children’s education. This included hosting regular parent-teacher conferences, creating opportunities for parents to attend workshops, and establishing clear communication channels between the school and home. His efforts paid off. Increased parental involvement had a direct impact on students’ motivation, attendance, and academic performance. It also helped create a stronger sense of community and shared responsibility for student outcomes.
The positive change in parental involvement not only reflected the school’s growing success but also contributed to the school's ability to foster a culture of support for students, which is essential for sustainable achievement.
Pierre’s success story at DWCHS is a testament to the power of transformative leadership, and the ALAS Superintendent Leadership Program played a pivotal role in shaping his ability to lead at such a high level. The program’s emphasis on strategic leadership, data-driven decision-making, and building strong community and parental partnerships gave Pierre the tools he needed to navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.
Pierre’s leadership philosophy has always been grounded in the belief that schools can only be successful when leadership is collaborative, data-informed, and responsive to the needs of the community. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the values instilled in participants of the ALAS program, who are trained to not only manage schools but to drive long-term change.
As a mentor to the next generation of school leaders, Pierre Orbe has not only changed the trajectory of DeWitt Clinton High School but has also set an example for other educational leaders looking to make a meaningful difference in their communities. The success at DWCHS, under Pierre’s leadership, serves as proof that with a clear vision, strong leadership, and community engagement, it’s possible to turn around even the most challenging schools.
The ALAS Superintendent Leadership Program has contributed significantly to shaping Pierre’s leadership journey, giving him the tools and insights needed to tackle the complexities of educational leadership. As he continues to lead by example, Pierre Orbe is helping shape the future of education, not only through the students who graduate but through the leaders he continues to mentor and inspire.
Pierre Orbe’s work at DeWitt Clinton High School is a powerful example of what’s possible when visionary leadership meets opportunity. His transformation of DWCHS into a high-performing, engaged, and successful school is a direct result of his leadership skills, mentorship abilities, and commitment to the well-being of his students and community. With the knowledge and strategies gained through the ALAS Superintendent Leadership Program, Pierre has shown that turning around even the most challenged schools is not only possible, but it can be achieved with the right leadership. Through his continued dedication, Pierre is building a legacy of lasting change that will influence the educational community for years to come.
