Wakefield new DSMS principal

DOUBLE SPRINGS  -  Brian Wakefield, who has served as assistant principal at Double Springs Middle School, has now moved up to the principal’s role, replacing the retiring Ben Aderholt.
This was among numerous major personnel changes approved by the Winston County Board of Education during their regular session Tuesday, June 29.
A 2003 graduate of Haleyville High School, Wakefield  graduated from UNA with a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education, followed by a Master’s degree in instructional leadership from UAB.
Wakefield began his educational career at Decatur City Schools, where he spent eight years as a teacher and head softball coach.
From there, Wakefield went to Winston County High School in 2019 as assistant principal. However, due to a drop in enrollment figures, the assistant principal’s position at the high school was eliminated, so Wakefield was moved in June, 2020, to the position of assistant principal at Double Springs Middle School.
Speaking of the shoes he is filling after Aderholt’s retirement as principal, Wakefield noted that Aderholt served many years in that role and ran the school well.
“During the pandemic, it was kind of rough on the kids, not being in school and then coming back and having to do all online stuff,” Wakefield said. “Hopefully, we can change that and get the ball rolling back to a normal and regular schedule.”
Coming into the middle school principal’s role, Wakefield noted, “I want to bring some energy  and some different ideas. I want to make sure the kids are motivated and want to be at school.”
Middle school can be a difficult place in many aspects, as students are changing physically and emotionally and can sometimes become disengaged, Wakefield stated.
“I want to bring some energy and some excitement, try to build a lot of relationships with the kids, the parents and staff and just be very up front,” said Wakefield.
Using social media, Wakefield wants to promote the school’s platform to motivate kids to want to be at school, he said.