Robert "Bob" James has been named the principal of Jefferson City High School, according to a news release the district issued Tuesday.
James will officially join the district July 1. However, he will be working with staff and administrators prior to that time, as he re-familiarizes himself with the Jefferson City community.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to come home to Jefferson City and lead an exceptional school," he in a statement.
Born in Hermann and a graduate of Linn High School, James lived in Jefferson City as a youth and is familiar with the community and the school district.
He comes to the district from Temple Independent School District in Temple, Texas, where began his administrative career in 2009. He started his career as a math teacher, followed by service as an assistant principal and associate principal for curriculum and instruction.
Prior to becoming a math teacher, he worked in the private sector and served in the U.S. Army at Fort Hood, Texas, and Camp Nimble, South Korea. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood.
While serving as Temple High School principal, James has been responsible for leading a large, diverse population of some 2,000 students, seven assistant principals, 160 teachers and over 100 support staff members. He successfully implemented and maintained Career Strand Endorsements (Academies) and built strong community and business partnerships.
"Bob James will be a tremendous asset to the District and a good fit for the high school," said Larry Lithacum, incoming Jefferson City Public Schools superintendent. "I was very pleased with the selection process and the candidate pool. We had excellent participation from a team of high school teachers and administrators, which helped inform the decision making process
"Mr. James has a track record of success as an instructional leader in a large high school."
_
Read an updated and expanded version of this news story: James named new JCHS principal