In 2019, Hawkins Mill Elementary faced significant challenges, finding itself on the state’s priority list for underperforming schools. Fast forward to today, and the school is now a beacon of hope and progress, thanks in large part to the leadership of Principal Claude Wilson.

“When I inherited this school, I knew we had to be aggressive in changing what needed to happen here,” said Wilson. His vision for improvement was fueled by the University of Virginia’s Partnership for Leaders in Education (PLE) program, which transformed his approach to leadership and school improvement.

At the heart of Wilson’s strategy was a comprehensive 90-day plan focused on collaboration with teachers. “Planning with my staff allowed us to identify the root causes behind our students’ underperformance,” he explained. This approach not only fostered a sense of community but also helped develop effective strategies tailored to the needs of Hawkins Mill’s diverse student body.

As the school navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson and his team remained resolute. “When we returned to a full school year, we were on a mission,” he recalled. Their commitment paid off when the end-of-year test results were released, revealing an 8% increase in student proficiency rates.

This impressive growth catapulted Hawkins Mill to a level five status, the highest distinction for academic growth in Tennessee, marking it as a reward school. “This shows that transformation is possible,” Wilson said. “We now have a blueprint for success, and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

The turnaround at Hawkins Mill Elementary is a testament to the power of effective leadership, community engagement, and a focus on student-centered strategies. Principal Wilson’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that with determination and collaboration, significant change is not only achievable—it’s within reach.