JACKSON PRINCIPAL TO RESIGN

JACKSON -- After 12 years as principal of Jackson High School and 32 years as an educator, Vernon Huck wants to try something new.

Huck submitted his resignation to the Jackson Board of Education in mid-October. However, he will continue as principal until the end of the school year.

Though resigning from the district, Huck, 53, has no plans to retire. He hopes to try a new field outside of education, and is considering a number of opportunities, though as of yet he has no definite plans.

"I want to find a job where I don't have any keys and don't have to be the first one there and the last one to leave everyday," Huck joked.

The decision to step down at Jackson was a tough one, Huck said, but he felt the time was right for a change. However, he said he was proud of the growth and improvements the school experienced and an increased commitment to education by the students on his watch.

"During my tenure I've enjoyed the students a great deal. They have been nothing but the best bunch of students to work with," Huck said. "The faculty has been tremendous and community support has been strong.

"Those things have made 12 years go by very quickly and have also made my decision very difficult."

Jackson School District Superintendent Dr. Howard Jones said Huck will be missed, but that he understands Huck's desire to seek other opportunities after more than three decades as an educator.

"We obviously hate to see him leave the high school," Jones said. "He is probably one of those models of what it means to be a good principal. He is consistent, fair and holds very high expectations for students and faculty. Those factors are critical to maintaining a strong school."

Several candidates from within Jackson High School have expressed interest in succeeding Huck. Among that group is assistant principal Rick McClard, whom Jones called a "very, very strong candidate."

"I can say without question that he will be among the finalist group we interview because of his track record as an assistant principal," Jones said.

Applications from outside of the district also are being sought. The district will cease accepting applications Jan. 5.

Jones and a committee of his selection consisting of school administrators, teachers and parents will review the applications and interview between three and seven candidates.

"My thoughts would be we would meet beforehand to discuss what criteria we are looking for and measure the applicants against that standard," Jones said.

With the input of the committee, Jones hopes to recommend a candidate for the post to the school board by the end of January.

Jones said he hopes Huck, whatever career path he chooses after he steps down, remains involved in the district.

"I told him I'd like to see him stay connected with education in some capacity. ... He has such a wealth of experience, it would be a shame for the educational community not to have access to that," Jones said.

Prior to coming to Jackson in 1985, Huck was principal of Ste. Genevieve High School for four years. Before that he was head football coach and athletic director at the school for 14 years. He also spent many years teaching a variety of subjects, including biology, health and physical education.