Jones accepts
position with
board of
education

By Mary Garrison
Tribune-Courier Reporter
mgarrison@tribunecourier.com

DRAFFENVILLE – After just one year at the helm of Marshall County High School, Principal Ricky Jones is moving on.

Jones has accepted a position as secondary education supervisor at the board of education office, effective at the start of the school year.

The position is a new one for the Marshall County Board of Education. In years past, elementary and pre-secondary (middle school) education supervisors have been a part of general operations; however, no secondary supervisor position has been established.

With the upcoming retirement of assistant superintendent Ruth Etta Buchanan, Marshall County Schools Superintendent Trent Lovett thought it might be time to introduce the third position in education supervisors and do away with the assistant superintentendent position.

The school board elected to approve the position and job description at the April board meeting.

“Mr. Lovett posted the position about a month or so ago,” Jones said. “Well, I got curious, knowing I’d be working closely with the person in that position, and I decided to check it out, just to get a feel for it.”

It was then Jones became interested in the position for himself. Jones said he had no intention of leaving the principal’s position so soon; however, with only seven years remaining until he is eligible for retirement, Jones said he wasn’t certain if the opportunity to join the board office would present itself again.

“I’ve been at MCHS for 20 years,” Jones said. “This was the toughest decision I’ve ever made.”

In that 20 years, Jones said he’s seen the school and its students from just about every angle. Jones served as a teacher, coach, alternative classroom supervisor, assistant principal and finally principal. Those experiences are ones he feels will enable him to bring a unique perspective to the position.

Jones emphasized that just because he’ll have a new office, doesn’t mean he’s leaving.

“This position will give me the opportunity to work closely with Mr. Lovett, who I have a tremendous amount of respect for, and to have a real impact on what’s going on at the high school,” Jones said. “I’ll be able to play an integral part in directing where we want the school to go.”

Still, the transition will definitely be an adjustment. Jones said he won’t have as much exposure to the students, which he’ll miss the most.

“I’ve been out in that hall every time the bell rings for the last 20 years,” Jones said. “Going into education was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.

“It’s just such a happy, optimistic atmosphere to be in,” Jones continued. “These kids are about to take on the world, and they’re just so full of life and hope ... it’s a really neat experience and a wonderful atmosphere to be in.”

Jones said he is confident the high school will be in good hands, however. Last year, the school system went through a large-scale staff transition. Several educators retired, or moved on, leaving vacancies to fill, and Jones said he is proud of the smooth transition thereafter.

“I really have to thank the entire staff of the high school and all the parents that supported us,” Jones said. “Everyone — the faculty, office staff, parents, school board — it went better than I ever could have imagined.”

And while Jones will miss his former post, he’s looking forward to what the new one will bring. Jones has two small children at home, ages 4 and 6, he said he’ll get to spend a little more time with.

“I loved all of the ballgames and activities, everything that went on at the high school,” Jones said. “But it does cut into your home life after awhile. I’m looking forward to seeing my kids a little more.”

It doesn’t mean he won’t spend plenty of time with the high school students, as well, though. Jones said he plans on spending as much time as he can at MCHS.

“I think we have an incredible school system,” Jones said. “I’ve been blessed to work in the finest school around for the last 20 years. I appreciate all of the support from staff and parents, and I hope I can gain their trust in a new position.”