October 1, 2025 -- When Deondre Drakeford was just three years old, he sat in a preschool classroom where his father, Dion, served as the teacher. Most children his age were squirming in their seats, eager to play, or distracted by the stimulating environment that surrounded them. That, however, was not the case for Deondre.
Dion remembers his young son sitting tall, focused, and attentive, as if he already knew learning was something sacred.
“I realized at that time, [Deondre] is going somewhere,” Dion recalled with pride. “He was always that leader. He always was a stand-up type of guy. Even as a youngster, he was serious about his education.”
Today, that little boy is now the principal of Berwick Alternative Elementary School, carrying on the very same values his father instilled in him. His father, Dion, is still serving Columbus City Schools (CCS), currently as the assistant principal at Beechcroft High School. Together, they represent something rare and special: a father-and-son duo of CCS administrators, both proud graduates of the District they now serve.
Their journey is more than a family story. It is a testament to the motto: “Leaders Grown Here.”
A Family Rooted in Education
For the Drakefords, education is both a career path and a family calling. Dion and his wife, Leondra, who teaches at South Mifflin STEM Academy, always emphasized the value of learning in their home. Books were everywhere, schoolwork extended beyond the school year, and lessons about integrity and helping others were just as important as academics.
“We would always play school,” Deondre remembered. “We’d argue over who was going to be the teacher. My parents had so many resources in the house, even in the summer, so we were always learning. That structure paid off. It gave us work ethic and a passion for what teachers do.”
That passion eventually pulled Deondre into the same profession as his parents. He studied early childhood education and began his career teaching in Cincinnati before stepping into administrative roles. While at first he dreamed of being an instructional coach, his graduate coursework and hundreds of internship hours opened his eyes to the broader impact he could have as a principal.
“The purpose of touching more lives was actually my exact reason,” Deondre explained. “As a principal, you can impact so many students, families, and staff. That’s what did it for me.”
A Father’s Pride & A Son’s Inspiration
Dion, now in his 25th year with CCS, has built a respected career as both teacher and administrator. From teaching math at East High School for 13 years, to leading Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys, to his current role at Beechcroft, his passion has always been about lifting students up.
“Education is the passport to the future,” Dion said. “Our young people in Columbus City Schools so desperately need strong teachers and administrators. To see that light bulb go off in their head when they learn something…it’s just a wonderful feeling.”
That same sense of purpose rubbed off on Deondre, who admits his father’s stories from the classroom inspired him to choose education in the first place. Later, when doubts crept in about stepping into leadership so early in his career, it was Dion who reminded him he was ready.
“My dad pretty much encouraged me,” Deondre said. “I was a little doubtful, but he said I had the qualities, and that built my confidence. The man I am today, I would completely attribute that to him. He’s my hero.”
Dion beams when talking about the man his son has become.
“[Deondre] is destined for leadership,” Dion said. “I’m just so proud to say my son is a Columbus City Schools principal at Berwick.”
Returning to Serve Where It All Began
Both father and son took winding journeys, but both found their way home. Dion is a product of Windsor Elementary, Ridgeview Middle School, and West High School. Deondre attended Fairmoor Elementary, Monroe Middle, and graduated from Northland High School.
After teaching and leading in Cincinnati-area schools, Deondre returned to Columbus in June 2025 to take on his first principalship. For Dion, seeing his son back in CCS is nothing short of special.
“I’m just thankful he’s back home in Columbus,” Dion said. “He doesn’t know this, but he’s already shared things with me that I’ve taken and benefited from. It goes both ways now.”
The Drakefords’ story is deeply tied to the District’s mission of preparing students to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Both men know the challenges of leadership: the endless multitasking, the fast decisions, and the weight of responsibility. However, both see it as an honor.
“At the end of the day, this job is about serving,” Deondre reflected. “Even though there are so many tasks, you just remember you’re here to serve.”
Community, Legacy, and Support
The Drakefords also credit CCS for providing a strong network of support for leaders. From professional development opportunities to mentoring from regional superintendents and leadership coaches, they recognize that no administrator leads alone.
“If I didn’t have that, I would probably feel like I’m drowning,” Deondre admitted. “But here, there’s a huge network of support.”
Deondre’s father agrees wholeheartedly.
“Dr. Chapman and her team have done a tremendous job creating that level of support,” Dion said. “You can always lean on somebody, and there are resources here that are unmatched.”
With so much time invested in CCS, the family is well known throughout the district. Deondre admits people often approach him with warm words about his father.
“So many people say, ‘I know your dad, and he’s a great guy.’ That reputation means I have big shoes to fill, but it’s affirming to know people respect him.”
For Dion, it is about planting seeds that grow over time.
“Sometimes when you’re dropping seeds on young people, you don’t see them germinate right away, but years later, former students come back and thank me. That’s when you realize the impact you’ve made.”
A Living Example of “Leaders Grown Here”
The story of Dion and Deondre is not just about one family. It is about what happens when a District invests in its students, nurtures their potential, and gives them space to grow into leaders. Both father and son were shaped by CCS teachers, schools, and values. Now, both are shaping the next generation.
From preschool classrooms to principal offices, from Northland to Berwick to Beechcroft, the Drakefords’ journey reflects the heart of this District. It is a story of family, service, and a community committed to building brighter futures together.
“It’s just an honor being in this District, the home where I was a student,” Deondre said. “To now be serving as a principal alongside my dad, it’s beautiful. I feel elated, and I feel like this is the job for me.”
For the Drakefords, the circle is complete, and for CCS, their story is living proof of what it means when we say leaders are truly grown here.
Join #OurCCS in celebrating National Principals Month in October 2025. #LeadersGrownHere
