CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A new principal and a new paint job are part of the new school year for Watts Elementary students.

On Saturday, it took a group effort to paint the playground. Students, parents, community groups, teachers and Principal Kelly Haynes all had a hand in the work.

“Community involvement, that is how we get things done,” said Principal Haynes.
“One person can't do it alone and I want them to know that. We're in this together.”

It’s been more than 20 years since Watts Elementary School has had a new leader. Haynes is coming in with a new agenda that puts community involvement in the forefront.

“I want to bring the community into the school and let the kids get into the community and work hard, learn from them,” said Haynes. “We want our students at Watts Elementary to be leaders in the community. That's what we're going to push for this year.”

Watts Elementary is one of the schools in Charleston City Councilman Adam Knauff’s district. Saturday’s clean-up was personal for him because he went the school as a kid.

“Being a student here kindergarten through sixth, every year that something got touched we noticed it. Every year something was broken we noticed it and complained about it,” said Knauff.

Seeing that schools have a limited budget, Knauff says that’s why it’s important for the West Side community to pitch in. He hopes that his work will become an example for the area.

“I think it's very important that people that are from here stay here,” Knauff said.

The business community is also lending a hand with improving the schools. Volunteers from Charles Ryan Associates and Columbia Gas helped paint the playground equipment a new bright blue.