Richmond Public Schools

NEWS RELEASE
Dr. Dana T. Bedden, Superintendent
Kenita Bowers, Director of Communications & Media Relations
Public Information Office: 804-780-7100 publicinfo@richmond.k12.va.us

For Immediate Release
April 29, 2016

District announces new leadership appointments at
Boushall Middle and Huguenot High schools

RICHMOND, Va. – During its regularly scheduled meeting on April 18, the Richmond City School Board approved the appointment of two new principals at Huguenot High and Boushall Middle schools, respectively. Robert Gilstrap, former principal of Newcastle High School in Newcastle, Oklahoma, will serve as principal of Huguenot. He replaces interim principal Larry Marks. LaTonya Waller will serve as Boushall’s new principal. Waller replaces interim principal Cynthia Heckstall.

Gilstrap holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. He brings over 10 years of educational leadership experience to his new post. He was recognized as a 2015 State Superintendent Nominated Administrator and currently serves as the state coordinator for the Oklahoma Association of National Honor Society.

On his most immediate priorities as Huguenot’s principal, Gilstrap said, “My first goal is to discover our identity; who are we as individuals and collectively as a school. Additionally, we will continue to work on capacity building to inspire, motivate and equip those around us to reach that identity.” Gilstrap added, “We will continue to move forward academically and prepare our students for college and beyond.” Gilstrap’s appointment will be effective May 31.

Waller holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently an assistant principal at Henderson Middle School and has previously served as an elementary teacher, grade level chair, lead teacher and an International Baccalaureate science teacher since joining Richmond Public Schools (RPS) in 2001. Among her many professional accomplishments, Waller was a 2006 recipient of the R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence, 2010 RPS Teacher of the Year and 2011 Virginia Teacher of the Year.

As the new principal of Boushall Middle School, Waller’s immediate priorities include, “supporting an inclusive learning community that provides a rigorous and meaningful educational environment that improves student achievement, embraces diversity and engages stakeholders in opportunities to support the school’s mission and vision.” Waller will begin her appointment July 1.

“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Gilstrap and Ms. Waller to their new positions within the RPS team. Both candidates clearly demonstrated sound leadership and solid teaching experience to effectively support academic success for our students,” said Dr. Dana T. Bedden, school superintendent. “Equally important, these two administrators recognize the importance of building strong, collaborative relationships with students, teachers, parents and the community. To that end, we acknowledge and appreciate the feedback from our stakeholders during this recruitment process. Their feedback and insight was invaluable and will be used to guide our progress going forward.”

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