Update: Brittany Woods Middle School Principal Justin Davis for a Meet and Greet was held on Wednesday March 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the school's library.
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The School District of University City is pleased to announce Justin Davis has been hired as the new Principal of Brittany Woods Middle School.
Davis will replace Dr. Grace Lee, who is retiring in June. He will assume the role of principal on July 1, 2022. We thank Dr. Lee for her continuing leadership and service to our children and the District and wish her well.
Davis most recently served as the principal of The East New York Arts and Civics High School (TEACH), a former charter school in Brooklyn, New York that recently became a member school of the New York City Department of Education.
A native of North County, Davis earned a B.A. from Harris Stowe State University and an M.A. from Lindenwood University. He got his start in education in the St. Louis area, teaching middle and high school social studies in Normandy and Ferguson-Florissant schools.
He moved to New York City in 2009 to become a social studies teacher at TEACH, where he worked for 13 years. During his tenure there, he went on to serve as dean of students, assistant school leader, and then principal from August 2015 through January 1, 2022.
“Mr. Davis engaged our students, staff and parents in meaningful dialogue regarding his experiences and desire to serve the Brittany Woods Community. He was authentic and embraced the importance of community and, yes, relationships. He spoke to his understanding of equity and inclusion and emphasized quality tenants of school culture,” said Superintendent Sharonica Hardin-Bartley.
Davis was hired after the District gathered intensive staff and student input on their vision of a new leader for the school. The input included both staff and parent focus groups and a district-wide survey.
Davis said he and his wife, Kina Davis, are excited to return to St. Louis. He said The School District of University City immediately stood out as he began to explore his next steps.
“Towards the end of my high school career, my family moved from North County to the U. City area. A lot of my friends who went to Harris Stowe where I graduated are also U. City alums. I love the people and the community,” Davis said. “When I look at the student data and demographics in University City, it generally reminds me of myself when I was growing up. The school system was a safe haven for me that allowed me to put all of my energy and effort towards the work I had in front of me to become the person I am. I’m a pay it forward person. My goal coming back to St. Louis was to find a community that connected me to my roots, and to go into that community and create a culture that nurtures phenomenal human beings. I believe U.City is already on the cusp of that, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Brittany Woods Middle School, located at 8125 Groby Road, serves about 575 students in grades 6-8.
Click here for PDF of Justin Davis' news release announcing his hiring.
