A local principal recently received statewide applause from Gov. Sonny Perdue and superintendent Kathy Cox for his efforts in leading his school in overall student achievement improvement.
Dr. James Johnson, principal at Jordye Bacon Elementary School, was named one of 112 principals across the state named a 2008 High Performance Principal.
"These outstanding educators have fostered school environments that are conducive to student achievement," Perdue said in a press release. "These principals have excelled in their efforts and I am pleased to honor them with the designation of High Performance Principal."
This is Johnson's third year earning the distinction and he credits his success as a principal to the JBE faculty.
"It (the award) is more of a testament to how hard my teachers and my students work," Johnson said. "If I got High Performance Principal, it's because of what they've done."
In order to be named a HPP, the principal must have been at the school for the last three consecutive years, receive recommendation from the school system and have measurable progress in their school.
Johnson feels his school continues to make leaps in improvement through a cooperative partnership with parents, teachers and students.
"My teachers go above and beyond in communicating with our parents," he explained.
In addition to the expected performance standards, Johnson will focus on improving math scores this year.
"This year our professional development is going to be all geared towards learning those math standards and getting all our kids up to grade level in those math standards," he said.
In the press release, state superintendent Cox explained how her 15-year teaching experience has demonstrated how much a principal impacts a school.
"Year after year, our High Performance Principals have been getting the job done by empowering teachers, engaging parents and inspiring students," Cox wrote.
Johnson has seen JBE progress since assuming becoming principal in January 2000. Before that, he was the assistant principal at the old Hinesville Middle School.
Though Johnson only received a certificate, the state values HPPs in such regard that these educators are eligible to receive supplements if they ever transition to head a school in Needs Improvement status.
Governor Perdue initiated HPP in 2006.
Dr. James Johnson, principal at Jordye Bacon Elementary School, was named one of 112 principals across the state named a 2008 High Performance Principal.
"These outstanding educators have fostered school environments that are conducive to student achievement," Perdue said in a press release. "These principals have excelled in their efforts and I am pleased to honor them with the designation of High Performance Principal."
This is Johnson's third year earning the distinction and he credits his success as a principal to the JBE faculty.
"It (the award) is more of a testament to how hard my teachers and my students work," Johnson said. "If I got High Performance Principal, it's because of what they've done."
In order to be named a HPP, the principal must have been at the school for the last three consecutive years, receive recommendation from the school system and have measurable progress in their school.
Johnson feels his school continues to make leaps in improvement through a cooperative partnership with parents, teachers and students.
"My teachers go above and beyond in communicating with our parents," he explained.
In addition to the expected performance standards, Johnson will focus on improving math scores this year.
"This year our professional development is going to be all geared towards learning those math standards and getting all our kids up to grade level in those math standards," he said.
In the press release, state superintendent Cox explained how her 15-year teaching experience has demonstrated how much a principal impacts a school.
"Year after year, our High Performance Principals have been getting the job done by empowering teachers, engaging parents and inspiring students," Cox wrote.
Johnson has seen JBE progress since assuming becoming principal in January 2000. Before that, he was the assistant principal at the old Hinesville Middle School.
Though Johnson only received a certificate, the state values HPPs in such regard that these educators are eligible to receive supplements if they ever transition to head a school in Needs Improvement status.
Governor Perdue initiated HPP in 2006.