About Us

Welcome to Herbert Akins Road Middle School, where we are committed to creating a school community that empowers every student to grow socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and academically. At HARMS, we believe strong relationships, high expectations, and meaningful learning opportunities are the foundation for student success. Our staff is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where all students are encouraged to discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for future opportunities.

It is an incredible honor to serve as the founding principal of Herbert Akins Road Middle School. As we enter our fifth year, I continue to be inspired by the legacy our students, staff, and families have built together through a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and community.

I began my educational career in central Illinois and spent 17 years teaching students in Illinois, Florida, and Wake County Public Schools before serving as an Assistant Principal at Farmington Woods Elementary School and Wildwood Forest Elementary School. In February 2011, I became the principal of Yates Mill Elementary School, where our school community worked together to move from a Title I Focus School to a Title I Reward School. In January 2015, I transitioned to West Lake Middle School, where I served through December 2021. During my time there, I had the opportunity to lead a large multi-track year-round school through significant growth and change, including the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to a Track 4 only calendar model.

In January 2022, I was honored to begin the journey of opening Herbert Akins Road Middle School alongside an outstanding staff and supportive community. Together, we have established a culture centered on student belonging, academic achievement, leadership, and continuous growth. Our focus remains on ensuring all students are challenged, supported, and prepared to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue building a school community where students feel valued, connected, and inspired to achieve their personal best. I look forward to the continued success of our students and the exciting future ahead for Herbert Akins Road Middle School.

Nighthawk News 3/9/2026

Herbert Akins Road Middle School is a school committed to empowering and educating over 1230 students on four different instructional calendars holistically. Through our restorative practices and Positivity Project, we want to encourage students to be responsible for their actions and to be positively acknowledged for their decisions. 

Herbert Akins Rd MS is dedicated to promoting academic excellence in our classrooms. Our staff utilizes various instructional strategies and methods to meet the needs of our students. 

The staff collaborates weekly in Professional Learning Communities to design instruction and assessments to promote student learning and growth. 

Teachers from all core content areas, departments, and administrators are constantly assessing students' needs to better serve each student. 

Through the use of the co-teaching model, teachers and specialists work together to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging education that promotes growth and achievement. 

Herbert Akins Rd MS Vision 

The Herbert Akins Road MS learning community collaborates to facilitate equitable outcomes and growth through social, emotional, and academic opportunities.