Burton T. Hynes, former principal of North Penn High School, spent nearly his entire career in the North Penn School District. He began in 1974 teaching math at Pennfield Junior High School, and then in 1976 teaching math at North Penn High School. In 1984 he became the assistant principal of NPHS, and in 1998 became principal of Penndale Middle School. In 2003, he became the principal of North Penn High School where he remained until his retirement in 2015.
As principal, Hynes maintained a focus on student achievement, staff recognition, and maintaining excellence at North Penn High School. With his leadership, the school strived for continuous improvement in achievement at the academic, athletic, and activity levels. This focus translated into increased AP course offerings for students, excellence in academics, an ever-growing number of state championships in multiple sports, and annual recognition for the outstanding talent demonstrated through all of North Penn’s arts programs. This legacy has continued after Hynes’ retirement as North Penn High School remains a school known for its outstanding academics, athletics, and arts.
While Hynes led North Penn High School, he maintained a culture of care for each and every student. He kept track of any student in need, ensuring they had the support they needed to not only graduate, but succeed. As a staff leader, he maintained the same culture, most often being the first person in the building and the last out every day. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone could grow in their careers, and was always willing to listen and mentor.
In his 12 years as principal, Burton Hynes saw thousands of students graduate and complete their education at North Penn. Hynes cites the annual commencement ceremony as one of his favorite memories as principal because “it brought over a thousand seniors and our staff together in front of the community to celebrate the culmination of years in education in a respectful ceremony that uplifted all who witnessed it, both in-person and on NPTV.” Other highlights of his time as principal include seeing the football team win their first state championship in 2003, seeing former President Bill Clinton speak on the front steps of North Penn High School in 2008, the annual K-12 art shows, welcoming the senior citizen audiences to the annual Gold Card showing of the spring musical, watching parents navigate the hallways on Back to School Night, working with the International Friendship Committee in their work with the student exchange program, and adding the Air Force JROTC to the NPHS curriculum.
Burton Hynes lives in Collegeville with his wife, Susan. He currently serves as President of Friends of Worcester, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on the preservation of open space and rural vibe of Worcester Township. He also serves as an elected Republican Committee member for Worcester Township, encouraging residents to actively participate in the electoral process.