New principal will lead Muscogee County school if recommendation is approved
A Columbus public school is on track to have a new principal.
On the agenda for the Muscogee County School District Board’s work session Monday, MCSD Superintendent David Lewis recommended the appointment of Draveious Hurston-White as principal of Key Elementary School.
The board is scheduled to vote on the recommendation during its April 20 meeting, starting at 6 p.m.
Lewis told the Ledger-Enquirer in an email Thursday that Key principal Jacqueline Flakes is retiring at the end of this school year. If the board approves his recommendation, Lewis said, Hurston-White would become Key’s principal July 1.
Who is Draveious Hurston-White?
Here’s a summary of Hurston-White’s career and education, according to the agenda:
Hurston-White has been assistant principal of Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School since 2023.
He began his career with MCSD in 2009 as a teacher at Fort Middle School. He then worked in a variety of instructional roles at South Columbus Elementary School, Wesley Heights Elementary School, Baker Middle School, Marshall Success Center and Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts. He also has been a regional facilitator for gifted education.
In 2022, Hurston-White was promoted into MCSD leadership as the dean at Eddy Middle School.
Hurston-White earned a doctorate in religious education curriculum from Bethany Divinity College and Seminary, and a specialist’s degree in educational leadership from Albany State University He also has earned specialist’s, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in education from Columbus State University.
The board didn’t discuss the recommendation during the work session, except Frey said after reading Huston-White’s qualifications, “Impressive resume.”
Rationale for MCSD superintendent’s recommendation
Lewis said 19 candidates applied for this position and six were interviewed. He explained why he selected Hurston-White.
“Dr. White received strong recommendations from his immediate supervisors and is a well-prepared instructional leader whose experience and credentials align with the needs of Key Elementary School,” Lewis wrote. “He holds multiple endorsements, including ESOL, Gifted Education, Teacher Support and Coaching, and Educational Leadership, as well as training in the science of reading and the impacts of poverty through the Buntin Schools of Excellence, demonstrating both depth and breadth in supporting diverse student populations and developing staff capacity. Additionally, his participation in the GSLA-RESA Aspiring Principals Cohort reflects a clear commitment to leadership growth and readiness.”
This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
