New Prinicipal Hired for Starkville High School

STARKVILLE, Miss. – (PRESS RELEASE)The Starkville School District Board of Trustees has named David Baggett principal of Starkville High School. The board voted to hire Baggett, who is currently in his eighth year as principal at Ocean Springs High School during their regular board meeting at the recommendation of SSD Superintendent Lewis Holloway. Baggett holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Mississippi and a bachelor’s degree in education from Mississippi State University. Baggett served as an assistant principal at St. Martin High School, Ocean Springs High School and Ocean Springs Middle School before becoming principal in 2006.

As principal of OSHS, Baggett facilitated the design and construction of a new high school. Under Baggett’s leadership, OSHS earned level A school status according to Mississippi’s accountability standards and successfully implemented an International Baccalaureate Program.

Baggett, along with five other finalists selected from 29 applicants, interviewed with the 13-person search committee last week. The search committee reviewed applications and resumes from the 29 with all names removed in order to narrow the field to six and used the results of a survey for students, teachers and parents to draft questions for the principal interviews. Each candidate’s two-hour interview experience also included a technology-based, performance task in which the top six had to analyze test score data in a written format. During his interview, Baggett demonstrated in depth knowledge about Common Core State Standards, Advanced Placement courses, special education and consolidation. Baggett also identified improving SHS’s graduation rate as his first priority if named principal at SHS.

“Mr. Baggett’s track record of excellence with proven strategies, his excitement about our strengths, and his willingness to address our areas for growth head on in the interview really impressed the committee,” SSD Asst. Supt. Jody Woodrum. “We could not help being drawn to his high energy style, seeing his no nonsense expertise and engaging personality as real positives as we continually strive to achieve higher and higher levels of excellence at SHS.”

“Mr. Baggett is an experienced building level administrator of a large high school, and he is a proven instructional leader capable of taking Starkville High School to the next level,” Holloway said.

Baggett’s salary is $108,000 annually. He officially begins his new position at SHS July 1. Baggett and his wife, Jennifer, have four children, and we welcome them to the Yellow Jacket family.

 

Categories: Local News

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *