A New Chapter for Oakwood

As an education leader, few moments are as rewarding as seeing a community asset transformed into an opportunity for students. Recently, our district approved the sale of the former Oakwood Junior High School to Cunningham Children’s Home. The building will be converted into a therapeutic day school through the CIRCLE Academy program.

This project is more than a real estate transaction. It represents collaboration, foresight, and the commitment of everyone involved to serve children in new and meaningful ways. Watching this process unfold has reminded me why community, partnerships, and innovation matter so much in education.

“This is a real win-win for the community and for students,” I told our school board when discussing the project. “It is about finding solutions that benefit everyone.”

Seeing the Potential

Oakwood Junior High has a long history in our community. Many families have memories tied to the building. While it is no longer used for traditional schooling, its potential as a resource for students in need is tremendous. Cunningham Children’s Home recognized this potential, and their plan to create a therapeutic day school is exciting for everyone involved.

Therapeutic education is an area where resources are often limited. By converting the old building into CIRCLE Academy, the facility will serve children who need individualized support and specialized learning environments. The goal is to provide structure, guidance, and care in a way that allows students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

“This project is a reminder that every school building can have a new life when we look for innovative solutions,” I said.

Collaboration is Key

A project like this cannot succeed without strong collaboration. The Oakwood school board, district staff, and Cunningham Children’s Home worked closely to ensure a smooth process. Approving the sale, setting timelines, and communicating with the community were all critical steps. The school had good feedback from the residents in the Newtown area who wanted to see it used as a school and an abandoned school that sits vacant and slowly deteriorates over time.  This feedback from our school community was huge in sale process.

As the superintendent at the time, I focused on ensuring transparency. Families, staff, and community members had questions about the building’s future. Answering those questions and sharing the vision for the therapeutic day school helped build trust and excitement.

“Partnerships like this show the strength of our community. When we work together, we create opportunities that no one could achieve alone,” I explained.

Supporting Students Beyond Our Walls

One of the most important lessons I have learned in education leadership is that supporting students does not stop at the classroom door. Some students need services that go beyond traditional instruction. Therapeutic programs provide support for mental health, emotional development, and behavioral challenges.

By transforming Oakwood Junior High into a therapeutic day school, we are providing a new pathway for students who may not thrive in a traditional school environment. Programs like CIRCLE Academy give students the tools and support they need to succeed, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

“This is not about moving students away from our schools. It is about giving them a chance to succeed in the environment that fits their needs best,” I told staff and parents during a board meeting.

Looking Ahead to the Future

The planned opening of the therapeutic day school in the 2026–2027 school year is a milestone for our community. Renovations and preparations are underway, and the vision is becoming a reality. Seeing a building that was once idle now repurposed to serve students in a meaningful way is incredibly satisfying.

For me, this project reinforces the importance of flexibility and creativity in education leadership. Every challenge or change in a district can be an opportunity to innovate. Sometimes it is about programs, sometimes it is about buildings, and sometimes it is about partnerships. In every case, the focus remains the same: supporting students and the community.

“Opportunities like this remind me why I entered education leadership. It is about making a difference, sometimes in ways we cannot even predict,” I said.

Lessons Learned

There are several lessons I take from this experience. First, every asset in a district has potential. Even buildings that are no longer used can be repurposed to meet student needs. Second, collaboration is essential. Engaging partners, communicating clearly, and building trust with the community ensures success. Third, student-centered thinking must guide every decision. Whether it is curriculum, staffing, or facilities, our priority is always the children.

Finally, I learned that embracing change can lead to unexpected wins. Transforming Oakwood Junior High into a therapeutic school is not the result of a single plan or a single person. It is the product of teamwork, vision, and a commitment to improving student outcomes.

A Community Win

At the end of the day, the Oakwood project is a true win-win. The community benefits from a purposeful use of an existing building. Students benefit from a therapeutic learning environment tailored to their needs. Staff members benefit from clear communication and collaborative planning.

“This project demonstrates what is possible when we focus on students and work together as a community,” I told a local reporter. “It shows that even in challenging situations, there are opportunities to make a meaningful difference.”

Final Thoughts

Being part of this process has reinforced my belief that education leadership is about more than managing schools. It is about seeing possibilities, building partnerships, and making decisions that create opportunities for students. The Oakwood Junior High transformation is just one example of how vision, collaboration, and dedication can lead to meaningful change.

I am proud of what our team and the community have accomplished. The therapeutic day school at Oakwood will provide hope, structure, and opportunities for students who need it most. And for me, it is another reminder of why I love being an education leader.