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Columbus City Schools Appoints New Principals to Guide Westgate Elementary, CAEC, and CAHS into Innovative Academic Term

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Published on July 31, 2025
Columbus City Schools Appoints New Principals to Guide Westgate Elementary, CAEC, and CAHS into Innovative Academic TermSource: Google Street View

Columbus City Schools has announced a fresh trio of principals set to take the helm at Westgate Elementary School, Columbus Africentric Early College PreK-12 (CAEC), and Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS). As the new academic term approaches, these appointments come as a critical step in ensuring leadership stability and inaugurating a new phase of educational strategies within these institutions.

Janea Robinson steps into the role at Westgate Elementary after making her mark as an Assistant Principal at Windsor STEM Academy and previously as an educator in both the charter system and Oklahoma City. A seasoned advocate of data-driven instruction and a proactive school culture, Robinson brings her Kansas City spirit to Westgate with an intent to put students' needs at the forefront. "I'm deeply honored and genuinely thrilled to join the Westgate community as principal," Robinson stated through Columbus City Schools, in a recent announcement.

Switching to Columbus Africentric Early College, Kyla Mitchell is celebrated for her two-decade pedigree in educational leadership and her transformative success story at Berwick Alternative PreK-8 School. Her commitment to equity and the fostering of inclusive academic environments has been a hallmark of her career, with her approach earning the school PBIS Silver Awards in past years. In her own words, Mitchell is eager to "collaborate with students, staff, families, and community partners to ensure all Nubian scholars thrive," according to the Columbus City Schools.

Lastly, Michelle Lewis' appointment to Columbus Alternative High School is met with high expectations, given her over two decades of committed service within CCS and, in particular, her recent role as Assistant Principal since 2015 at CAHS. Lewis is renowned for fostering a learning environment that values student voice and instructional equity, and Lewis has played a significant part in the introduction of diverse academic pathways within the school. As she steps into her new role as Principal, Lewis is determined to "honoring the school’s legacy of academic excellence, civic responsibility, and global engagement" while supporting growth and development for all learners, according to the Columbus City Schools.

The educational landscape of Columbus waits with anticipation as these leaders embark on their respective journeys. With their collective experience, Westgate Elementary, Columbus Africentric Early College, and Columbus Alternative High School find themselves at the threshold of a year that promises to be as challenging as it is transformative.