Transformation Waco has selected Reggie Lewis as the new principal for G.W. Carver Indian Spring Middle School and Cynthia Wise as principal of J.H. Hines Elementary School, announced CEO Robin McDurham. Both administrators begin their roles this week.
Reggie Lewis
Lewis has 19 years of education experience, beginning as a teacher in Dallas ISD and spending a decade in assistant and principal roles at DeSoto ISD middle and high schools. He recently served as associate principal for Waco High School, a position he was promoted to after starting in 2018 as assistant principal.
“A graduate of Jefferson-Moore High School, Mr. Lewis has deep roots in the Waco community,” said Dr. McDurham. “We are fortunate to have a respected homegrown leader who can take the next step in unifying the campus and preparing to move into a new G.W. Carver facility in fall 2023. He has the skills to provide systems for a safe and secure learning environment where students will thrive.”
Lewis earned a master’s degree in business administration from LeTourneau University in Dallas and a bachelor’s degree in criminology and corrections from Sam Houston State University, as well as his teacher and principal certification.
“I am extremely excited and honored to be appointed as the principal of G.W. Carver Indian Spring Middle School,” said Lewis. “The schools are rich in tradition, and rooted in the heart of the community in which I grew up. I am looking forward to continuing that legacy of excellence. I’m passionate and committed to making sure that Carver and Indian Spring students receive an education that will prepare them for the future, help them fulfill their dreams and reach their full potential in life.”
Cynthia Wise
Having served children in Texas for three decades, Dr. Wise began her education career as a high school history teacher before taking on leadership roles as assistant principal and principal in DeSoto ISD and Longview ISD. Her students far exceeded the state’s academic expectations throughout her tenure. She most recently served as CEO of East Texas Advanced Academies. The nonprofit is a similar in-district partner to Transformation Waco, managing six campuses in Longview ISD.
“Dr. Wise has a proven track record of leadership and creating a learning environment that promotes student success,” said Dr. McDurham. “She has turned around three Title I schools, leading Ned E. Williams Elementary to an ‘A’ rating and becoming one of the highest-performing predominantly African American elementary schools in the state. She has the unique skills and knowledge needed to provide the education J. H. Hines students deserve.”
Dr. Wise is author of the TEA-approved “Culture Conscious Campuses” model, a framework that encompasses four aspects of school culture to improve academic and social-emotional learning. She plans to implement CCC and its instructional tenets at J.H. Hines and assist with bringing the model to other Zone campuses.
“I’m elated with the opportunity to become part of the Transformation Waco community,” said Dr. Wise. “I’m ready to work and deliver on exceptional outcomes for our children by continuing the tradition of excellence that this community is known for. I look forward to leading the J. H. Hines campus, and I believe that the children can and will perform. We have a moral and legal obligation to bring out what already exists within our students.”
Wise has a doctoral degree in education administrative leadership from Walden University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Southeast Oklahoma University. She also earned a master’s degree in public administration from Ohio State University and her bachelor’s degree from Saint Paul’s College. She has been honored with many awards, including the Texas Association of Black School Board Members’ Texas Outstanding Administrator in 2014 and a National Center for Educational Achievement Award in 2010.