Principal’s Message

Water Spring Wildcat Family,

I am honored to serve as your new principal at Water Spring Middle School! This marks my 15th year with Orange County Public Schools, where I have had the privilege of serving as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, district math program specialist, assistant principal, and principal.

I began my career at Gotha Middle School, and I am thrilled to return to the world of middle schools. For the past four years, I have served as principal at Thornebrooke Elementary. Earlier in my career, I also served as an assistant principal at Keene’s Crossing Elementary, which is part of the Horizon West community and serves many families whose students now attend Water Spring Middle. I am excited to reconnect with those students and families and continue building strong relationships within this vibrant community.

Although we are joining together halfway through the 2025–2026 school year, our shared commitment to excellence remains strong. Water Spring Middle has a proud tradition of success, and together we will ensure that every student thrives both academically and personally. We will continue to focus on creating a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and excited about learning.

I look forward to partnering with you to continue the great success at Water Spring Middle School. The remainder of this school year is going to be phenomenal!

Thank you,

Korey Bawden

Principal, Water Spring Middle School