Jackson hires Harrell for high school principal

When Jackson High School’s new principal begins his position July 1, it will be a lot like a homecoming celebration.

“That’s where I’m from,” said Seth Harrell, who graduated from the school in 2002. “I went through that school system, and I definitely understand the importance of a quality education.”

Harrell was chosen to take the reins Wednesday evening during a special executive session of the Jackson School Board.

He is replacing Vince Powell, who will be the new principal at Affton High School in St. Louis next year.

Right now, Harrell is principal of Sikeston (Missouri) High School.

He started out in the Sikeston district as a social-studies teacher at the junior high, later becoming assistant principal and then principal there before moving on to lead the high school. When the opportunity to work for his alma mater came, Harrell decided to pursue it even though he would miss Sikeston, he said.

“I really think what I’ve been part of in Sikeston, a lot of credit goes to the individuals who have helped me along the way,” he said.

Jackson superintendent John Link said the district is looking forward to Harrell’s service.

“We just thought Mr. Harrell brings enthusiasm and innovation to our district, with a pro-kid approach,” Link said.

An intensive search was conducted for about a month before Harrell’s hire and included the Jackson Senior High Leadership Team.

Although Jackson High School is larger than Sikeston’s, with 1,100 students to its 817, Harrell said he’s more than ready to oversee the larger student population.

He also emphasized in his initial days on the job, he will be getting used to how things work and who does what. Areas for improvement, if any, will become clearer over time.

“That’s something you kind of pick up along the way,” he said, later adding, “My goal is to build on my past experiences and apply that to what’s already in place.”

If the Jackson district decides to implement a 1:1 initiative like Sikeston’s, Harrell said he could be a help because he’s already been through that experience.

One of the areas under consideration in the Jackson district’s new five-year plan is technology.

Dan Stover, vice president of the Jackson School Board who is running as an incumbent in the April 5 election, said he thinks Harrell is a good choice.

“He’s a Jackson alumni and has Jackson in his heart — and he’s a hard-working guy,” Stover said.

ljones@semissourian.com

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