by Shawn Nowlin
The search for a new principal to lead the day-to-day operations at Patrick Henry High has concluded. The Roanoke City School Board recently approved the hiring of Reyhan Deskins to succeed Joe Booan, who effectively served for the last two years.
Throughout his career, Deskins has served in many roles: Franklin County Public Schools Social Studies Teacher, George Washington High School Principal, Woodrow Wilson Middle School Principal and Acting Principal of William Fleming High.
When Maya Coleman was in the sixth-grade, Deskins was her teacher. “He was an effective leader. I didn’t grasp everything in real time, but looking back, I have a different perspective now,” she said. “His social studies classroom was in a trailer in Franklin County. I graduated in over a decade ago, which is hard to believe. PH is so lucky to have him. This achievement is well-deserved.”
Being a school principal today is drastically different compared to when Deskins was a pupil. In addition to social media not existing, administrators face various metrics like never before.
After high school, Deskins got an associate’s degree from Danville Community College in 1997 and a bachelor’s degree from Ferrum College in 2000. Sixteen years later, he earned a master’s in educational leadership and policy studies degree from Virginia Tech.
To be an effective principal, one must blend a necessary mix of emotional intelligence, systems thinking and instructional leadership. Ashley Lynn, a mother of three, believes Deskins is a home run hire.
“Knowing that he puts the students’ well-being first makes all the difference in the world,” Lynn said. “As a busy parent, I can tell you that feeling like you have an active partner in your children’s education is amazing.”
Said Roanoke City Public Schools in a statement, “Mr. Deskin’s experience provides him with extensive administrative leadership and teaching experience, making him an excellent fit for this position.”
Deskins is looking forward to working alongside talented teachers and committed parents. “As the new principal of Patrick High, my ultimate goal is to ensure that PH remains a place where every student feels supported, seen and challenged to reach their full potential,” he has since stated.
Deskins is just one of several other local hirings for the upcoming academic year.
Others include Krystal Paitsel being named Interim Principal of Westside Elementary, Leanna Rippey named Northside High School Principal, Evan Noell named William Byrd High School and Andrea Johnson named Hidden Valley Middle School Principal.
