By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Rowan-Salisbury’s Principal of the Year will take over the top spot at Knox Middle School next year.
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education announced Tuesday that China Grove Middle’s Dr. James Davis will be the new principal at Knox Middle.
“I think he’ll do an excellent job,” board vice-chairwoman Jean Kennedy said. “I think he’s already demonstrated leadership and commitment to the profession.
“His passion is quite evident in everything he does.”
Davis said Monday night that he looks forward to the change.
“I am very excited about the chance to serve at Knox Middle School. I am looking forward to working with the students, parents, and staff. China Grove has strong teachers, wonderful students, and supportive parents,” Davis said. “I will miss CGMS but I am already anticipating great days at Knox. My personal mission statement has been to ‘Love Kids, Support Teachers, and Pass it On.’
School board member Kay Wright Norman said she’s been impressed with how Davis approaches students.
“He goes in there and works with them to move them to the path to succeed,” she said.
Rodney Burton stepped down as principal of Knox last month for personal reasons, less than two years after taking the reins in October 2009.
Gerald MoragneEl also resigned from Knox, citing personal reasons, after one year.
Knox Middle has failed to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) — the federal government’s measure of progress of different groups of students at the school, district and state levels against an annual target in reading and math — since the No Child Left Behind program began in 2003.
“We’re looking at putting our finest foot foward at Knox to make it as successful as possible and Dr. Davis is a proven leader,” board chairman Dr. Jim Emerson. “We think it’s going to be a good move for him and that school, but we also know that China Grove will miss him sorely.”
China Grove met AYP for the first time under Davis’ direction.
Emerson said Davis is expected to continue the school year at China Grove.
The position at Knox is currently being filled on by interim principal Larry Brown.