Dannon Bedwell has been approved as the new principal of West Tuscaloosa’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School. Bedwell, who has served as the school’s assistant principal since 2020, will succeed Dr. LaTanya Williams-Collins, who recently accepted an administrative position with Huntsville City Schools.

Background and Experience

Bedwell brings 13 years of experience in education to the role, including more than 5 years in administration. He joined Tuscaloosa City Schools in 2012 as a physical education teacher at Northington Elementary, later moving to Central Elementary before stepping into an administrative role.

Under Williams-Collins, MLK earned recognition as a CLAS School of Distinction and a State School of Character while posting significant academic gains. Superintendent Mike Daria said Bedwell is well-positioned to continue that progress while bringing his own strengths and vision to the role.

Bedwell’s Vision

Bedwell’s focus will be on strengthening student achievement, deepening family and community engagement, and continuing to invest in teachers and staff. He aims to build upon the great work already taking place at MLK without straying from what’s already working.

‘My goal is not to come in and change what makes MLK special,’ Bedwell said. ‘My goal is to build upon the great work already taking place while continuing to move the school forward. The MLK Way — Intelligence, Character and Perseverance — will remain at the center of every decision we make.’

Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.