Parson selected as new CMS principal

When the opportunity to take over as leader of one of Kentucky’s most academically successful middle schools arose, Jennifer Parsons just couldn’-t pass it up.

Parsons was named last Wednesday the new principal at Corbin Middle School, where she’s been a science and social studies instructor for the last 12 years. The school’s site based decision making council selected her during a special meeting. Her appointment to the position will become effective July 1.

Parsons said it was a tough call to give up her position as Corbin High School Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, a position she’s held for the last dozen years as well. It’s a place where she’s had much success.

"When you are passionate about what you do, like I am with basketball, it makes it difficult," Parsons said. "But when opportunities like this come around, they don’t come around very often. The middle school is where I wanted to be. I knew I wanted to go this route and that I had to put myself out there to try to get the principal’s job."

Parson’s selection comes on the heels of a rigorous hiring process. The site based decision making council – which consists of teachers and parent representatives – met prior to interviews with candidates to craft a series of tough questions. Applicants also participated in a performance event designed to test how they would handle real-world situations as head of the school.

Parsons herself served as a member of the council since 2011, and has been a Junior Beta Club Sponsor since 2008. Before joining The Corbin Independent School System in 2001 she taught science at Harlan Middle School for two years.

In a media release, the council praised Parsons for her accomplishments while at Corbin Middle School.

"Parsons possesses exceptional leadership skills and is deeply committed to the continuous improvement of the middle school. As a teacher Parsons led and participated in different committees at Corbin Middle School. She participated in the Professional Growth and Effectiveness System, served as a resource teacher for EKU student teaching, reviewed policies as a council member, served on the interview committee, and led a committee group of parents and teachers on the 2012-2013 dress code.  Parsons has proven herself as a skilled communicator and has demonstrated a strong ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents, and students."

Parsons replaces current Corbin Middle School Principal Ramona Davis who will move up the administrative ladder to become an Assistant Superintendent for the Corbin Independent School District.

Reflecting on her decision to go from teaching to administration, Parsons said she really likes being involved in education at the middle school level because students at that age or in transition.

"I think it’s an age where kids can go either direction … they are just changing so much," she said. "I feel like I can be a positive role model for them. I’ve always just connected with that group and really strive to be a positive impact in their lives."

Going forward, Parsons said she is eager to tackle the ever-changing challenges in education including new testing and accountability measures, and updated teacher evaluation systems.

"I just feel like every person here at the middle school just strives for excellence and that is an environment I really want to be in," Parsons said. "What I want to focus on is making us the number one school in the state. A lot of our success comes with our high expectations."