October 31, 2024 - One of Principal Dr. Kelvin Watson’s favorite times at East High School is the start of the school year. He enjoys the tradition where staff, families, alums, and community partners gather in the parking lot to form a welcoming clap-in line for the students.
“It’s a chance for us to make new friendships and have the opportunity to reconnect with some of the families we already know,” Dr. Watson said.
Positive connections play a significant role in Dr. Watson’s educational philosophy. The Miami, Florida native’s career with Columbus City Schools began in 2020 when he became principal at Eastgate Elementary School. After two years, he transitioned to East High School.
Before his time in Columbus, he had an extensive education and law enforcement career. In 1985, he graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Education with a concentration in Technical Education. At the same time, the Akron Police Department was seeking minority police officers, so he took the Civil Service examination and was hired. He worked as a police officer for over a decade.
Ultimately, he returned to Miami but could not find a position in law enforcement. Instead, he put his education degree to good use, working in various roles for Miami-Dade Public Schools, including career specialist, middle school reading coach, and language arts teacher.
Dr. Watson later served as an education coordinator, assistant principal, principal, and district administrator for Moore County School District in North Carolina. From there, he returned to Ohio to serve as a high school assistant principal in Cleveland before coming to the District.
“I tell people education and law enforcement are very similar because I remember talking to people and their families in their neighborhoods and teaching them,” Dr. Watson said. “It’s the same kind of thing we do in education, and that is building good relationships.”
He eventually earned a Master of Science in Education, Reading, and Special Education from the University of Miami and a Doctorate of Education from the American College of Education. Watson credits his varied career and educational background for the types of career conversations he can have with his students.
“When you share the stories and make that connection, that’s what opens up opportunities for you and that kid where you can encourage them and help them improve and give them that support,” said Dr. Watson.
One way Dr. Watson connects with his students and staff is through supportive conversations. He also believes in maintaining high expectations. This year, East’s mantra is “reclaiming excellence.” With a rich history, the school’s notable alums have contributed to the fabric of Columbus and the world.
Alum Judge Robert Duncan's legacy lives on today as he made the 1977 landmark decision in Penick vs. Columbus Board of Education, which led to the desegregation of Columbus Public Schools. Senator Herchel Craig is a proud East alum whose career as a public servant goes back decades. Alum Ann B. Walker is a woman of many firsts. She was the first woman in broadcast management at WLWC-TV in Columbus, the first female broadcaster to report on the Ohio Legislature, and the first black woman from Franklin County given a White House appointment. Watson believes East students can rise to that level of excellence again.
To achieve this, Dr. Watson explained that the school’s three-part strategy includes providing high-quality instruction, holding high expectations, and fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. He aims to return the school to its former glory.
“This school has a legacy,” Dr. Watson said. “It has been known for excellence.”
Area Superintendent Dr. Sandy Womack praised Dr. Watson for creating a positive and supportive learning environment from his first day on campus. He collaborated with the school’s alums to revive some of the school’s storied traditions, including events like homecoming, pep rallies, and parades. The school won its first-ever Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Football Playoffs on its Harley Field in 2022.
Additionally, Dr. Womack noted that Dr. Watson added the Career-Technical Education course, Patient-Centered Care, to the school’s curriculum, allowing the school to become a CTE completer by offering three pathway courses in Health Sciences.
Since Dr. Watson arrived at East, more ninth and tenth graders have matriculated into the 11th and 12th grades. Dr. Womack described Dr. Watson as a leader with high expectations who guides the school in the right direction with a positive mindset.
“I’ve never seen him with a defeated attitude,” Dr. Womack said. “He never says that is beyond our scope and possibility.”
Dr. Watson’s commitment to a positive, proactive outlook is central to this approach. He believes in providing good customer service, ensuring everyone entering East feels welcomed. He assures that his students can access the school's opportunities, speaking positively whenever he is around them and engaging in conversations about their lives.
“A lot of our kids come here facing all kinds of barriers,” Dr. Watson said. “We are here to help them see that with our support, they can get beyond those barriers.”
