Transforming Student Outcomes in Education: Honoring David McGuire for National Principals Month.

As we continue to celebrate National Principals Month, the Surge Institute is proud to spotlight leaders who are fundamentally transforming the educational landscape. Next up, we honor Dr. David McGuire (INDY22, TLC23), the new principal at Butler College Prep in Chicago, a public, four-year charter high school and a campus of Noble Schools.

Over the summer, David relocated to Chicago from Indianapolis to assume his new post at Butler, bringing with him a wealth of community-centered experience. In Indianapolis, he steadily built his career in education, starting as a dedicated classroom teacher before stepping up to lead in impactful principal roles.

His leadership journey is acutely intertwined with the Surge movement. He is a proud two-time Surge alum, having completed the Surge Academy Indianapolis in 2022 and The Leadership Collaborative (TLC) in 2023. TLC is an immersive cohort experience from Surge’s Black Principals Network, designed to sustain, connect, and elevate Black school leaders.

A lifelong learner, David's academic foundation heavily informs his commitment to educational excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Central State University, a Master’s in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a Master’s in School

Leadership from Marian University. Furthermore, he earned his Ed.D. from Marian University’s Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program. Notably, his dissertation research focused on the vital impact and experiences of Black male elementary school teachers.

For David, school leadership is a personal mission.

“I see my work as a principal and educator as paying forward what was given to me as a student,” he shares. “I lead with high expectations, representation, and a commitment to opening doors. Every day, I work to ensure students recognize their potential, experience excellence, and believe their dreams are within reach.”

That commitment to daily excellence is paired with an unyielding dedication to long-term systemic change. When discussing his vision for his students, David points to the urgent need for structural transformation.

“Education equity means every student receives the opportunities, resources, and support needed to thrive in and beyond their schooling,” he explains. “My role now is running my leg of the race and doing my part to bring us closer to that reality. The work is to dismantle systems where race, ZIP code, or income predicts educational outcomes for students.”