Dear Carl Sandburg Middle School Community,

The Region 3 Leadership Team is pleased to announce that Mr. Eric Underhill has been appointed as principal of Sandburg MS effective Tuesday, December 20, 2022. 

Mr. Underhill has 15 years of experience as an educator.  He is currently the principal at Shirley C. Heim Middle School (Stafford County Public Schools) where he has served since July 2021.  Prior to his time at Heim Middle School, Mr. Underhill served as assistant principal for 4 years at Swanson Middle School (Arlington Public Schools).  Previous experiences include instructional technology coordinator, world geography and social studies teacher, and curriculum developer for APS.   He earned his administrative endorsement through George Mason University in addition to a MAT from The American University and a BA from the University of Delaware. He holds certifications from Cornell University on Improving Engagement, Counteracting Unconscious Bias, & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and from Harvard Business School in School Management & Leadership.

Highlights and accomplishments from Mr. Underhill’s leadership journey include his establishment of a student advisory board to elevate student voice in school improvement efforts, the creation of an Achievement Academy to boost grades for at-risk students, the creation of a professional development program to grow the instructional skills of paraprofessionals in conjunction with teacher training, the development of a parent learning series to engage and empower families, and the implementation of a response to intervention process that narrowed disproportionate achievement gaps at his school.  He has led efforts to transform teaching practices to meet the needs of English Learners, and he is an advocate of student access to rigorous coursework who encourages advanced classes to students and families, monitors course selection, and proactively engages with families around these choices. 

Our Region 3 leadership team is excited to welcome an experienced principal who is a strong advocate for students and families, who demonstrates instructional leadership, and who has successful experiences improving school culture.

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Underhill as the new principal at Sandburg Middle School!   He looks forward to engaging staff, students, and families in the life of the school. 

Sincerely,

Grace E. Taylor, Ed.D.
Region 3 Interim Assistant Superintendent