Dr. Jack Harris has been named the 2024 Jim L. King Missouri High School Principal of the Year by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MoASSP).
The MoASSP Executive Director, Clark Mershon, and Director of Programming and Development, Chris Hoehne, announced the surprise award at a staff meeting in the Branson High School Library on Friday, March 1.
A graduate of Branson High School, Dr. Harris has served as principal for the past eight years. Prior to joining BHS, Dr. Harris was an assistant principal at Branson Junior High School. He received his Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University in 2020.
"When I first started at Branson Schools, I was told that ‘it was people, not programs, that make the difference.’ I have learned that this statement is lived out in reality every day at our school. Our staff, students, and families in this community are what make my role at Branson High School so fulfilling,” says Dr. Harris.
MoASSP has proudly sponsored the state Principal of the Year award for 38 years. Named after Dr. Jim L. King, the award recognizes outstanding leadership and commitment to education. A recent blind review conducted by Past MoASSP Presidents assessed eight high school regional winners, with Dr. Harris emerging as the standout candidate.
One student expressed, "He is very approachable. I know that he would respect my position and take action to address an issue to the best of his ability." Similarly, a teacher highlighted Dr. Harris's efforts in promoting diversity, creating an inclusive environment, and shaping the school's safety culture through transparent communication and leadership.
"I'm thankful to the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, to our Branson Board of Education, and to Branson Schools administration for this honor,” says Dr. Harris. “It's not lost on me what an incredible opportunity it is to do this important work each day, and I'm blessed to serve with such a dedicated team of educators that believe in student success to their core."
Dr. Harris will officially be presented with the award during the annual MoASSP Spring Conference later this month. He will now be in the running to represent Missouri in the 2024-2025 National Association of Secondary School Principals’ Principal of the Year program.