Thurston J. King
New Port Richey,USA
Summary
Strategic education leader with more than fifteen years of experience driving initiatives that improve student outcomes and strengthen organizational systems. Skilled in partnership development, project management, and data-driven decision-making. Proven ability to lead cross-sector collaborations, manage complex campaigns, and deliver measurable results aligned with organizational goals. Adept at coaching educators, overseeing compliance, and creating innovative programs that elevate instructional quality and student success.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
Gulf High School
New Port Richey, FL
01.2022 - Current
- Provide leadership across multiple departments including Social Studies, school safety, and compliance with state drills and procedures.
- Direct schoolwide initiatives focused on attendance improvement and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), aligning efforts with district goals.
- Spearheaded a graduation success initiative that integrated data tracking, targeted interventions, and cross-sector collaboration, resulting in a 93 percent graduation rate, the highest in school history, and a 54 percent reduction in discipline referrals over three years.
- Coach and mentor teachers through high-level evaluations and actionable feedback to drive instructional quality and student achievement.
- Develop and implement innovative programs that address systemic challenges and improve student engagement and performance.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with district leaders, community partners, and external organizations to support student success initiatives.
- Established community partnerships to strengthen incentive programs and increase awareness through targeted signage, engagement projects, and social media campaigns.
Dean of Students
Godwin Heights Public Schools
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Led post-pandemic engagement strategies that improved attendance and staff morale through collaborative planning.
- Designed and implemented improvement plans aligned with compliance and performance goals.
- Strengthened partnerships with families and community agencies to expand student support services.
Assistant Principal
Covenant House Academy
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2014 - 01.2020
- Oversaw organization-wide behavior systems and policy enforcement, ensuring consistent implementation across teams.
- Directed recovery and retention programs that improved re-engagement rates for at-risk students.
- Managed safety protocols and high-stakes hearings while balancing compliance and stakeholder relationships.
Homeless Liaison, Attendance Officer
Covenant House Academy
- Developed and enforced policies to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Built partnerships with community organizations to expand access to resources and services for vulnerable populations.
Education
Master’s Degree - Educational Leadership K-12
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor’s Degree - Political Science
Grand Valley State University
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Partnership Development
- Campaign Management
- Data Analysis
- Vendor Oversight
- Policy Compliance
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Instructional Leadership
Roles And Responsibilities
- Homeless Liaison, Attendance Officer, Covenant House Academy, Developed and enforced policies to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations., Built partnerships with community organizations to expand access to resources and services for vulnerable populations.
- Student Personnel Officer, Gerald R. Ford Job Corps, Developed and enforced policies to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations., Built partnerships with community organizations to expand access to resources and services for vulnerable populations.
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Gulf High School
01.2022 - Current
Dean of Students
Godwin Heights Public Schools
01.2020 - 01.2022
Assistant Principal
Covenant House Academy
01.2014 - 01.2020
Homeless Liaison, Attendance Officer
Covenant House Academy
Master’s Degree - Educational Leadership K-12
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor’s Degree - Political Science
Grand Valley State University