South County High School principal on administrative leave

The principal and another administrator at South County High School in Lorton were put on administrative leave earlier this month, a Fairfax County Public Schools official has confirmed.

Principal Matthew Ragone was put on administrative leave May 11 and replaced by interim principal Dan Meier, a retired FCPS administrator. Additionally, Assistant Director of Student Activities Mark Luther is also on administrative leave, an FCPS spokesman confirmed Saturday.

A letter sent from FCPS Region 4 Assistant Superintendent Angela Atwater to South County families earlier this month acknowledged the suddenness of Ragone’s departure, but declined to provide further details since it was a “personnel matter.” Ragone is no longer listed on the school’s administrative team page or in the staff directory.

Ragone came to South County from Langley High School in December 2014, replacing former principal Jane Lipp, who had received a promotion. Ragone had served as Langley’s principal since 2008 and prior to that was an assistant principal at Chantilly High School and a teacher at various schools. According to Ragone’s LinkedIn profile, he earned a doctorate of philosophy in education policy from George Mason University last year.

It is not clear when Luther’s leave began. He also serves as the school’s baseball coach, according to the South County sports website.

Earlier this month, South County High School made headlines by ranking #14 on U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best High Schools in Virginia. Nationwide, the school was ranked #712, earning a silver medal. Schools were ranked based on their performance on state-required tests and how well they prepare students for college, according to the publication’s website.

Atwater’s letter assured families of a smooth transition and support for the remainder of the school year, which ends June 15.

“I can assure you we remain fully committed to continue to provide the very best educational services for our students. We anticipate only great outcomes for the remainder of the school year and thank you for your continued support of South County High School,” she wrote.