Akins High School has recently gained a new member to its administration, Robert Deckard.

Deckard, a teacher who previously taught at Bowie High School, has become the new principal for the ABLLE academy and is being welcomed by many among campus.

“I’m excited to have him as a part of our team, he comes from experience and has a strong focus for education,” principal Daniel Girard said.

With the recent retirement of Joe Ruiz, Akins was faced with having to find a new principal too fill his shoes midway through the year.

“Happy to be here, everyone’s been great and welcoming. It just feels great to be here,” principal Robert Deckard said.

As he starts his first 6 weeks here at Akins, he’s coming into something much different than he’s experienced. One big difference is how much more assistant principals are involved in academics, rather than just discipline, he said.

“Assistant principals are involved with instruction. I also like how Mr. Girard allows us to be so involved.” Deckard said.

It’s a big adjustment for Deckard, as he’s never experienced a school setup like the way Akins is designed. The academies are a giant change, but with a welcoming staff and student body, it shouldn’t be too hard he said.

“Mr. Deckard seems to be very upbeat and passionate about his job,” English teacher Christopher Ashlock said. “He’s very easy to talk to, and likes Akins a lot. He’s really trying to integrate.”

Even though he’s from rival school Bowie, most Akins students are very welcoming of him.

“He’s pretty funny, he seems like a good guy when I met him, and I’m excited for him to be here,” junior Makaila Villarreal said.

Even Deckard himself seems to be enjoying himself here at Akins.

“Being here from Bowie, there wasn’t a big difference, everything felt the same and I enjoy Akins a lot.” Deckard said.

When it comes to Akins, there’s a lot of stuff to learn, they’re different, and it’s a giant change from any other school.”