James Davis plans to be the male role model the students at Ferriday Junior High School need.

Davis, currently an administrative assistant at Ferriday High School, will move to the junior high in mid-March as interim principal.

With a background in teaching and coaching, Davis has been on the administrative track for several years now, he said. The FJHS position fit into his goals.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for me,” he said. “The timing was right.”

Davis will replace Dorothy Parker who is moving into a central office administrative role.

The switch won’t take place for Parker or Davis until after state tests which occur March 19-23.

Davis will finish out the year as interim principal, but hopes to take on the title of principal next school year.

“I know the job is going to be a tough task,” he said. “But I’m up for the challenge.”

His top priority will be discipline, he said.

“If they aren’t disciplined they aren’t going to be in a situation to learn what’s taught to them,” he said.

FJHS is an under-performing school according to state rankings, and many of the children struggle academically. The lack of male role models in their lives and the economic situation play a part in the school’s academics, Davis said.

“Just seeing a male face is going to be a big deal,” he said.

“We’ve got some work ahead of us. We’ve got to work together as a family. Some good things are in place right now at that school.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. Life is about a lot of challenges.”

Davis is a Ferriday native, who attended public schools in Ferriday all his life. He attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College on a football scholarship before moving on to the University of Louisiana-Monroe.