By Yolanda Putman
The principal who helped guide The Howard School from one of Tennessee’s lowest-performing schools to one that outpaced others in academic growth has retired after 31 years in education.
Dr. LeAndrea Ware officially retired March 13 after serving the past eight years as Howard’s principal. Her tenure included significant academic gains, including a graduation rate that rose from 63 percent to 96.5 percent, along with rising enrollment and campus improvements at the historic high school.
Hundreds of educators and community leaders gathered this month on the Redemption to the Nations Church campus for a retirement celebration in her honor.
“She is a force. She is a beast. She has served, served, served people,” said Assistant Principal Christy Drake as she called Ware to the stage and the crowd erupted in applause.
Assistant Principal Maya Farr described Ware as someone who sees gifts in others. Former Assistant Principal Dr. Elizabeth Renneisen said she would do anything for Ware because she had seen her do everything for others.
Howard Interim Principal Francisco Carrillo became emotional as he recalled how Ware called him to become an administrator and modeled for him how to love and lead children.
“Queen,” shouted someone from the audience as Ware bowed.
Many Howard educators spoke through tears while describing the impact she has had on their lives. Assistant Principal Dr. Charles Mitchell said he also appreciated Ware and called himself her protector.
Though retiring from the school system, Ware is continuing her leadership work in the community. On March 16, she began a new role as chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga.
A Howard alumna, Ware returned to the school as interim principal during the 2017–2018 school year before later being named the school’s permanent leader.
During her tenure, the school experienced significant academic growth and enrollment gains. Howard earned its first-ever Level 5 designation for academic growth during the 2022–2023 school year. The rating, based on the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System, represents the state’s highest level of academic growth and indicates students made significantly more progress than expected compared with peers across Tennessee.
Enrollment also grew significantly during her leadership, increasing from about 800 students in the 2017–2018 school year to a peak of roughly 1,600 students.
Major investments in campus facilities also occurred during her tenure. In 2024, the new Reggie White Field and football turf were installed as part of a $10 million investment in the school’s infrastructure. Billionaire and Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates visited Howard school in 2019 and blogged on GatesNotes about the school’s improvements under Ware.
In 2019–2020, Ware was named Tennessee’s Principal of the Year in recognition of her work to improve student outcomes and strengthen the school’s culture.
“Howard is more than a school,” Ware said. “Howard is a legacy, a family and a community that continues to rise despite all odds.”
Assistant Principal Dr. Marthel Young said Ware’s leadership left a lasting impact on the school community.
“Your leadership journey has been interwoven with humor, unwavering dedication and an intense commitment to excellence,” Young said.
Howard’s assistant principals presented Ware with a crystal plaque and 31 red roses in recognition of her tenure.
Just days before her retirement, Ware offered a final message of encouragement to students during the school’s Mr. and Miss Howard coronation ceremony. “Never stop striving,” she said, “to become the very best version of who you were meant to be.”