Beachwood City Schools welcomes new Hilltop Elementary principal
August 2, 2022
Beachwood Schools warmly welcomes Dr. Octavia Reid as the Hilltop Elementary principal. Dr. Reid comes to Beachwood from Maple Heights City Schools, where she has served as the principal of Barack Obama Elementary since 2018. With two decades of school leadership experience, Dr. Reid has excelled professionally in curriculum revitalization, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve in a community that is devoted to academic excellence,” said Dr. Reid. “It is my desire to instill that love of learning in every child that enters the doors of Hilltop Elementary.”
Previously, Dr. Reid served as the principal of the Frank L. Wiley Middle School in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District and the Giddings School in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. In both roles, Dr. Reid was recognized for her leadership in increasing student achievement, fostering strong family partnerships and creating a culture of collaboration.
Dr. Reid began her career as a behavior specialist in Alabama before working as a teacher for students in grades 5-8. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Troy State University.
In an interview, Dr. Reid said her grandfather inspired her decision to pursue a career in the field of education.
“My grandfather always described teaching as a noble profession,” she said. “That was the catalyst that moved me to pursue a career in education.”
As a classroom teacher, Dr. Reid possessed strengths as a relationship builder, organizer and collaborator. These strengths propelled her into educational leadership.
“The opportunity to have a broader impact on students and teachers inspired me to pursue leadership roles as a principal and administrator,” Dr. Reid said.
Creating a sense of family within the school community is one of Dr. Reid’s greatest joys as a principal.
“I am committed to keeping the tradition of excellence that has been established at Hilltop,” said Dr. Reid. “I believe in servant leadership and want the best for every child."
About Hilltop Elementary
Hilltop Elementary houses the Beachwood School District's third, fourth and fifth-grade students. With an enrollment of approximately 325 students, Hilltop’s goal statement is “Learning Together, Building Our Future.” Click here to learn about Hilltop’s comprehensive academic program designed to meet the needs of each individual student.
Contact:
Lauren Meade, M.S.
Director of Communications
Beachwood City School District
[email protected]