Denny Wilson, new principal for Warrington Middle

Denny Wilson, who led Oakcrest Elementary from an F school to an A, has been approved by the Bureau of School Improvement to serve as principal of Warrington Middle for 2021-2022 school year. The School Board will need to approve the appointment, but that should be only a formality.

In April, the Escambia County School Board unanimously voted to partner with Learning Sciences International to takeover Warrington Middle School. Because the school has been a D or F school since 2012, Warrington met the definition of “Educational Emergency” as defined in House Bill 7069 and faced the possibility of being closed by the State Board of Education. The school district was given a reprieve if it partnered with experienced school turnaround external operator and changed the school’s principal. Read “Living On A Prayer” (Inweekly, 4/15/21).

Wilson was featured in our 2013 Game Changers issue after being named the Escambia County School District’s principal of the year: “You’ve got to believe that you’re at the right place. If you’re not where you feel like you’re called to be, I don’t know how you can be successful. I see this as my mission field. I feel like teaching is a calling. I feel like being a principal is a calling.”

Learning Sciences International is holding a series of community conversations to introduce the company, unveil school turnaround plans for the 2021- 22 school year and solicit community feedback and partnerships

“We, the partners at the Escambia County School District and Learning Sciences, are inviting you, the Warrington community, to come be part of something memorable and help us make a lasting difference,” James Mills, LSI executive director, said in a recent press release. “This Warrington renaissance will be centered around academics, but the lift off will be boosted by safety, arts, athletics, career academies, student support services, dedicated educators and a supportive community. Are you up for it? Go Rockets!”

Meeting Schedule
Wednesday, July 7, 6–7:30 p.m. at Fricker Community Center-Social Hall, 900 North “F” Street
Thursday, July 8, 6–7:30 p.m at Myrtle Grove Baptist Church, 5920 Lillian Highway
Monday, July 12, 6–7:30 p.m. at Global Learning Academy, 100 North “P” Street
Monday, July 19, 6–7:30 p.m at Warrington Middle School, 450 South Old Corry Field Road