Principal DeMarcus Goree-Watkins, Forest Lane Academy
Staring intently at the glow of his computer screen, Principal Goree-Watkins types quickly, the soft clack of keys filling his office.
His gray shirt, embroidered with “FLA” over the chest, reflects the pride he carries for Forest Lane Academy.
“Leadership (at Forest Lane) means ensuring we have the capacity to lead instruction properly — whether that’s reading or math — and building a culture that is productive for both students and adults,” he says.
DeMarcus describes a model of leadership rooted in collaboration, where administrators work closely together with teachers to strengthen instruction plans.
That includes internalizing the content together and supporting educators in real time as they refine their practice.
“(Leadership) also comes with looking at data to make sure we understand where we are academically and how we need to move the children forward,” he adds. “But not only the children — the adults, too — because we’re all learning in the process and continuing to be lifelong learners.”
For Goree-Watkins, that commitment to a leadership model centered on teachers and students has earned recognition across Richardson Independent School District.
This year, he was named Elementary Principal of the Year at RISD.
“In my 18 years of education, I have been honored as teacher of the year, but this is the first time I’ve been honored as an administrator,” he says.“It is a badge of honor that I wear.”
That recognition is echoed by district leadership, including Tabitha Branun, superintendent of RISD.
“DeMarcus embodies the heart of Forest Lane Academy and is so deserving of the Principal of the Year recognition,” she says. “He has dedicated a decade pouring into his campus and has shown an unwavering dedication to providing opportunity, care, and high-quality education that opens doors and expands possibilities for all children, no matter their background, language or circumstances.”
As a Title I school serving a highly transient community, Forest Lane’s parent engagement structures look different from more traditional neighborhood schools, with PTA participation limited in part by high residential mobility and a large number of families living in apartments near the I-635 corridor and extended-stay housing like Budget Suites.
“Forest Lane Academy is a very unique campus since our mobility rate fluctuates between 40 and 43%,” Goree-Watkins says. “Meaning, that 50% of the students that start at the beginning will be gone by the end of the school year.”
That level of student mobility also creates challenges in building long-term consistency across the school, not just for students, but for staff .
“The average teacher retention rate at a Title I campus is 3 to 5 years. So, I look for a teacher who has the resilience to make sure that they can withstand what comes with being at a Title I campus,” he explains.
With that in mind, Goree-Watkins says his recent recognition as RISD Elementary Principal of the Year is something he hopes will also strengthen teacher recruitment and retention at Forest Lane.
“I just hope that by name and recognition alone, people will hear about Forest Lane Academy and want to add value to it,” he says.
Even amidst the challenges, Forest Lane has worked to create spaces of stability and hands-on learning for students. One of the most vivid examples of this is their new gardening program.
“We plant native plants and vegetables and send them home with the kids,” he shares. “And, we are also now raising chickens that will hatch, and even get a chicken coop.”
Goree-Watkins often returns to the message he wants students to remember most.
“One thing I would tell the kids is to always get back up — make sure that you are resilient, that you can bounce back, get back on your feet, and reach the destination you set your mind to,” he continues. “Things may look easy for somebody else, but they don’t tell you about their stumbles.”
