Meet our team

Mr. Jarod Hawk joined ACCEL Schools in 2019 with over 11 years of experience as a K-8 educator and school leader in Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas. Prior to joining ACCEL Schools, he worked for IDEA Public Schools where he became Founding Principal of a Health Professions school after completing a two-year Principal Residency program working alongside top-performing principals in the network. Mr. Hawk holds a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education from Kent State University as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Ashland University. Additionally, he is currently pursuing his Superintendent License with Ashland University.

Courtney Fails is a dedicated educational leader with more than 15 years of experience committed to helping students achieve academic success while developing the confidence, character, and leadership skills needed for life beyond the classroom. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Central State University and her Master of Science in Education from Otterbein University. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including classroom teacher, Center Director, Assistant Principal, Principal, Founding Principal, High School Director, and Regional Director of Academics. Her diverse experiences have allowed her to open new schools, lead school improvement efforts, strengthen academic achievement, increase enrollment, and build meaningful partnerships with families and community organizations. As Principal of Capital City Sports Academy, Courtney's vision is to create a school where students are excited to learn, families feel welcomed and valued, and staff members are empowered to help every child succeed. She believes that every student deserves a safe, supportive environment where they are known, challenged, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential. While Capital City Sports Academy offers unique opportunities through athletics, extracurricular activities, and community partnerships, Courtney remains committed to ensuring that rigorous academics are the foundation of every student's educational experience. Courtney believes that positive school culture begins with strong relationships, open communication, consistency, and mutual respect. She is passionate about being visible and engaged with students, staff, and families and believes that celebrating student growth, effort, leadership, and character is just as important as celebrating academic achievement. Her leadership philosophy centers on creating a school community where every child feels a true sense of belonging and every family knows they are an important partner in their child's education. Outside of school, Courtney is a proud mother of four and has spent many years supporting youth sports and community programs as both a coach and volunteer. Having participated in and coached a variety of sports throughout her life, she understands the powerful role athletics play in helping young people develop discipline, teamwork, perseverance, confidence, and leadership. Those experiences continue to shape her commitment to providing students with opportunities to excel both inside and outside the classroom.