NATCHEZ — Natchez-Adams School District will have two new principals this school year — Eric Jackson will be the new principal of Natchez High School and Cleveland Moore will be the new director of Fallin Career and Technology Center.

Natchez High School

Eric Jackson, who has recently been promoted from assistant principal to head principal at NHS — said he is working closely with Moore and other schools in the district to ensure that his students are ready to rise up to state standards and challenges.

“I am goal-oriented,” Jackson said, “and determined to meet (district and state) goals and standards. … Our motto this year is ‘Determined to rise.’ … We’re doing some programs to ensure our students are prepared with college and career readiness.”

Jackson, who grew up in Natchez, earned his B.A. in history from Alcorn State University, a master’s of education degree from Belhaven University and his doctorate in education from Walden University.

Jackson said he is starting his 15th year in education and is prepared to help the roughly 600 students in his charge find and achieve their college and career goals.

“I enjoy working with a large body of students, and I enjoy teaching and working with the students and their families to ensure they are successful,” he said.

Jackson said he taught American history for nine years and has served as an assistant principal for five years. Jackson never stops working, even when he leaves the office, he said.

“Outside of the school or office, I’m a worker. … I’m constantly reading and finding new things to implement — new resources — to help our students be successful.”

Jackson said he and Moore are utilizing the nationally recognized ACT WorkKeys Assessment to help students prepare for life after graduation.

“We’re looking to … add rigor to our programs and ensure our teachers are giving our students opportunities to have high-level engagement,” he said. “We’re also working with our Natchez Early College Academy to provide consistency among the grade levels, so what you see at one school regarding instruction and rigor you see at them all.”

In addition to remaining on par with other schools in Adams County, Jackson said NHS is applying new standards issued by the Mississippi Department of Education, which includes more rigorous graduation requirements.

“We have to change to ensure our students are meeting the requirements to graduate,” Jackson said. “Each student has to pick a graduation track. … There’s no doubt that these new graduation options are going to push students and require them to be more engaged in the classroom.”

Fallin Career and Technology Center

Cleveland Moore — the former assistant principal at Morgantown Middle School and a principal at Natchez High School for four years — said he is also working to prepare students for college and the workforce.

“What we’re trying to do is get our students prepared — those who want to enter the workforce,” Moore said. “Our ultimate goal between Mr. Jackson and myself is to maximize the number of students we serve. … We want to serve at least half, if not more, of NHS students.”

Moore grew up in Natchez and studied at Jackson State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in science and elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration.

Moore said FCTC offers courses in construction, automotive collision, health science, digital media, early childhood education and cooperative education. Last week, FCTC enrolled nearly 300 students and Moore said he expects registration to continue until the start of school on Aug 7.

“I’m passionate about seeing kids learn, especially hands-on learning in the classroom,” Moore said. “I hope to maximize the number of students who attend, to make the school inviting to parents and students and to help our students transition from high school into either the workforce or post-secondary education.”

Moore said FCTC also offers early work certification for students with the ACT WorkKeys Assessment.

“We want to allow the majority of our students to become certified with the WorkKeys component,” Moore said. “Those students are more likely to become employed.”

Moore said he is passionate about teaching and has worked in education for 23 years. Outside of school, Moore is a father and tries to be a positive member of his community, he said.

“I’m anticipating getting students started in school — leading them and making sure they become members of student organizations,” Moore said. “We want to show the community the positive things we have at NHS and FCTC and offer those things to as many students as we possibly can.”