Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright announced Friday that Dr. Michael Watson, current Dahlstrom Middle School principal, will serve as the new principal for Simon Middle School beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. Watson joined the Hays CISD team in 2014, as principal of Live Oak Academy and led that campus to stellar success, doubling the number of graduates at the campus in prior years to nearly 200. In 2017, he became principal of Dahlstrom Middle School and helped that campus move from a “B” grade to an “A,” with distinctions.
“Dr. Watson has a proven track record of success,” Wright said. “When he approached me about the principal opening we have at Simon Middle School, I was interested. He is the type of person who seeks out challenges and who wants to be in a place where he can make the most difference. He has a great relationship with the Dahlstrom community and wants to expand the impact he has on students across our entire district. That’s leadership and it demonstrates his passion for student achievement.”
Simon Middle School earned a “D” rating in 2019, under the latest state accountability system. The campus has been making improvement, but with the state’s campus grading system suspended for COVID-19, staff and students weren’t able to demonstrate the work they have been doing to earn an improved grade this school year. Watson will replace outgoing principal, Charli Lennon, who has accepted a job working in higher education.
