Angie Wilson (Stephanie Mojica/smojica@amnews.com)
HARRODSBURG — The new dean of students at King Middle School in Mercer County stepped into her position after 15 years teaching social studies at Boyle County Middle School.
Angie Wilson, 42, of Danville, still is in her first weeks of work in Mercer County but says what could have been a difficult adjustment has been made much easier by the friendliness of everyone involved in the school system.
Wilson replaces Esther Hayslett, who recently was promoted to the principal’s chair at Harlow Early Learning Center. Hayslett worked at King Middle School from 2007 to 2011 and was such a fixture on campus that some students refer to Wilson as the “new Mrs. Hayslett.”
“I know I have some pretty big shoes to fill,” Wilson said.
However, Mercer Superintendent Dennis Davis and Boyle Superintendent Mike Lafavers both say they expect great things from Wilson especially given her experience and education.
“Angie was the curriculum specialist at BCMS during a time of great improvement in academic achievement at the school,” Lafavers said. “During her tenure at BCMS, the school was ranked as high as 11th on the state accountability exam out of more than 300 middle schools in Kentucky.
“Angie is a great educator and someone who just has a natural passion for kids. We wish her well in Mercer and she will be missed.”
Wilson, who graduated from Boyle County High School in 1988 and has two adult daughters who also are Rebels alumni, said she was not looking to leave her position but the opportunity at King Middle sounded too good to pass up. Her new position is similar to the role of an assistant principal, but with a focus on academic achievement rather than disciplining students.
“I love looking at test scores and doing data analysis,” Wilson said. “When a couple of friends asked me to apply (for the Mercer position) I decided it would be a great fit.”
Wilson, an Eastern Kentucky University graduate and past member of the board of directors of the Kentucky Association of School Councils, has lots of plans to help enhance the education of King Middle’s 680 students.
“I want to see all of our kids at or above basic proficiency levels especially in reading and math,”¿Wilson said. “I’d like to enhance our existing guidance program as well as extracurricular activities. I’m excited about any opportunity I can take to help all kids become more confident, regardless of their past academic performance.”
